27-11-23

BALANCING ENERGY INTAKE AND ENERGY DEMAND:

PROBLEMS CAUSING MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition – means "bad feeding"

Can include eating too much, too little, or the wrong foods

Too Much Energy

Energy needs vary based on age, gender, and activity level
When the diet provides more energy than the body needs, the excess is stored as glycogen or fat
When the diet provides less energy than the body needs, the body breaks down its own tissues for energy

Storing Excess Food: Overnutrition

Excessive fat storage leads to obesity
Obesity increases the risk of various health problems like diabetes, heart diseases and even cancer

Losing Body Mass

To lose body mass, energy intake must be reduced
This can be achieved through diet and exercise

Malnutrition: Too Little Food

In developing countries, many people lack access to balanced diets
This leads to undernutrition and deficiency diseases
Protein deficiency can lead to kwashiorkor or marasmus

Kwashiorkor
Caused by protein deficiency and excessive carbohydrate intake
Symptoms include:
-Mental and physical developmental impairments
-Edema (swelling)

Marasmus
Caused by severe starvation
Symptoms include:
-Extreme thinness
-Wrinkled skin
-Wasting of body tissues

Remember:
Malnutrition can occur in various forms, including overnutrition and undernutrition
Maintaining a healthy energy balance is crucial for overall well-being