The Health Risks of Bad Nutrition

The health risks of bad nutrition can be severe. Poor nutrition can lead to obesity and increased risk of heart diseases and diabetes. The health risks of bad nutrition in children can lead to a lifetime of unhealthy habits.

Obesity

• Poor nutrition can lead to obesity issues, which increases your risk of developing other diseases and is prevalent in roughly: 2/3 of Type 2 diabetes patients; 2/3 of heart disease patients; 15% of cancer in men; and 20% of cancer in women.

Heart Diseases

• Bad nutrition can lead to an increased risk of heart diseases such as hypertension, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Choosing foods low in saturated fat and trans fat is a good way to decrease some of these health risks.

Diabetes

• Poor nutrition increases your odds of being obese, which dramatically raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Keeping your weight in check, staying active and eating a nutritious diet can decrease your odds of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cancer

• Research is showing that eating foods like fruits, vegetables and cereal grains may help decrease your risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, lung, prostate and rectum.

Health Risks to Children

• Currently around 16% of U.S. children and adolescents age 6-19 are overweight. Since 1980, the prevalence of kids who are overweight has doubled for children and tripled for adolescents. The health risk of bad nutrition choices early on can lead to a lifetime of poor health.