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Physical Effects of Unhealthy Eating

It can be difficult to know exactly what does and does not constitute healthy eating. As of June 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture did away with the traditional food pyramid system for balanced eating and constructed a new icon called "My Plate." My Plate features a dinner plate that is divided into sections representing fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Guides like this are created to help you avoid the pitfalls and physical effects that can come from not eating a healthy, balanced diet.

  1. Obseity

    • Obesity is one of the most obvious effects likely to come from poor eating habits. The terms obesity and overweight are used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to describe people who weigh more than what is healthy for their height. Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference are also taken into consideration. Obesity is a wide umbrella under which many other side effects of unhealthy eating fall. It is a factor in heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, bone disorders, strokes, and some cancers.

    Heart Disease

    • Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When a person has this condition, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become partially or completely blocked. Poor eating habits can contribute to CAD by causing fat and cholesterol to build up inside of the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart properly. CAD can also be brought on by too much sugar in the blood.

    Diabetes

    • Poor eating habits and being overweight are directly related to the development of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are above a normal level. The bodies of people with diabetes don't produce enough or can't properly use insulin, causing a buildup of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes have increased occurrences of heart disease, strokes, and hypertension. It can also lead to blindness and limb amputation.

    Malnutrition

    • Although you may tend to think of unhealthy eating habits as pertaining to overeating, it can be equally unhealthy not to eat enough. Individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can suffer health problems that stem from the lack of food that they are taking in to their bodies. Electrolyte levels tend to suffer significantly in these cases. Electrolytes are vital minerals such as calcium, potassium, and sodium that need to be present and in balance. Severe imbalance of these minerals can cause fatigue, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

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