Nutrition and children
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Impact of Unhealthy Eating and Nutrition on Children
Overview
In the UK, the prevalence of unhealthy eating and poor nutrition is rising, with over 50% of adults overweight or obese due to malnutrition. Unfortunately, this trend extends to children, with childhood obesity rates more than doubling over the past 30 years.
Understanding Overweight and Obesity
Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination. Obesity specifically refers to excess body fat.
Common Causes of Unhealthy Diet
- Sugar
- Gluten Grains
- Unsaturated Fats
- Seed and Vegetable Oils
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Foods that are highly processed
These factors contribute to immediate and long-term health effects associated with unhealthy eating or poor nutrition.
Immediate Health Effects
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Higher likelihood of prediabetes
- Greater susceptibility to bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social/psychological issues
Long-term Health Effects
- Greater risk of adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and various cancers
- Higher chances of persistent obesity into adulthood
- Increased risk for cancers including breast, kidney, pancreas, and others
Promoting Healthy Nutrition for Children
Healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition and physical activity, can mitigate the risk of obesity and related diseases.
These habits are influenced by various sectors of society:
- Families
- Child care settings
- Communities
- Faith-based institutions
- Government agencies
- Medical care providers
- Food and beverage industries
Schools play a crucial role by fostering a supportive environment with policies that encourage healthy behaviours and offering educational opportunities.
Addressing Malnutrition
Malnutrition remains a concern not only in the UK but globally, affecting both undernutrition and overnutrition.
Efforts across schools, workplaces, and communities are crucial to promoting healthy, nutritious diets for children now and in the future.
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