Poor nutrition is a global problem that affects millions of people worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 821 million people went hungry in 2018, while 149 million children under the age of five suffered from stunted growth due to malnourishment. Poor nutrition is also linked to many preventable illnesses and diseases that cause millions of deaths every year. In this article, we will explore the ways that poor nutrition leads to millions of deaths annually worldwide.

Malnutrition

The most obvious consequence of poor nutrition is malnutrition. Malnutrition occurs when a person is not getting the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy body.

Malnutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, making a person more susceptible to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and measles. Malnutrition also causes physical and cognitive disabilities, which can lead to a shortened life expectancy. According to WHO, malnutrition is responsible for 45% of deaths among children under five years of age.

Obesity

Another consequence of poor nutrition is obesity. Obesity is a global epidemic that affects both developed and developing countries. Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than they burn, leading to an accumulation of fat in the body.

Obesity is linked to many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. According to WHO, obesity is responsible for 2.8 million deaths annually.

Heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17 million deaths annually. Poor nutrition, including a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and salt, is a major risk factor for heart disease.

A diet high in these foods can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cancer

Cancer is another major cause of death worldwide. Poor nutrition, including a diet high in red meat, processed foods, and sugary drinks, is a risk factor for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of cancer.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Poor nutrition, including a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, is a major risk factor for diabetes.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce the risk of diabetes. According to WHO, diabetes is responsible for 1.6 million deaths annually.

Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Poor nutrition, including a diet high in salt, is a major risk factor for stroke. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce the risk of stroke.

According to WHO, stroke is responsible for 6.2 million deaths annually.

Malnutrition and Infectious Diseases

Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infectious diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and measles. According to WHO, malnutrition is responsible for 45% of deaths among children under five years of age.

Malnourished children are more likely to die from preventable diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia than well-nourished children.

The Costs of Poor Nutrition

The cost of poor nutrition is not just measured in disease and death. Poor nutrition also has economic and social costs. The economic costs of poor nutrition include the cost of healthcare, lost productivity, and lower economic growth.

The social costs of poor nutrition include the impact on families and communities, including increased poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

Conclusion

Poor nutrition is a global problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Poor nutrition is linked to many preventable illnesses and diseases that cause millions of deaths every year.

Malnutrition, obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke are just some of the health problems that poor nutrition can cause. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce the risk of these diseases. Investing in good nutrition is not only good for health, but also for economic and social development.