How Important is Nutrition as an Adolescent in Preventing Disease

Adolescence is one of the critical periods of physical growth in the life cycle. Nutrition is a factor during adolescence because this is the crucial period of development. Many children suffer health problems because of poor diet and quantity of food.

Obesity is a growing concern among school aged children. According to Public Heath at a Glance, sixty percent of adolescent’s deaths globally are because of diseases associated with poor nutrition and lack of exercise. The reasons for the increase of obesity in youth are lack of physical activity and poor diet. Some studies suggest that low birth weight predisposes children to chronic diseases and obesity later in life. Obesity can also lead to other diseases like depression and sleep apnea.

Some adolescents have problems with anemia and iron deficiencies. Iron deficiency problems can lead to underachieving in school, impaired cognitive functioning and limited physically. Adolescents are at a higher risk for anemia and iron deficiency because of needing iron to grow. Some other diseases cause by anemia is schistosomiasis, malaria and hookworm. After the growth spurt process, boys will no longer have problems with iron deficiency. Girls will continue to have problems with iron because of lactation, menstruation and pregnancy.

There are different diseases associated with poor nutrition. Diseases can be avoided by becoming knowledgeable about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Parents should teach children about eating healthy at an early age so the habits can be carried into adulthood. Lack of nutrition can also shorten lifespan and complicate life with health issues.