Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant,

child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth,

lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity.

Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and

can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.

Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health. Today

the world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and

overweight, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO is providing scientific advice and decision-making tools that can help countries take

action to address all forms of malnutrition to support health and wellbeing for all, at all ages.

This fact file explores the risks posed by all forms of malnutrition, starting from the earliest

stages of development, and the responses that the health system can give directly and through its

influence on other sectors, particularly the food system.

The Impact of Nutrition on Your Health

Unhealthy eating habits have contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States:

about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million)

of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.1 Even for people at a healthy weight,

a poor diet is associated with major health risks that can cause illness and even death.

These include heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes,

osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. By making smart food choices,

you can help protect yourself from these health problems.

The risk factors for adult chronic diseases, like hypertension and type 2 diabetes,

are increasingly seen in younger ages, often a result of unhealthy eating habits

and increased weight gain. Dietary habits established in childhood often

carry into adulthood, so teaching children how to eat healthy at a young

age will help them stay healthy throughout their life.

The link between good nutrition and healthy weight, reduced chronic

disease risk, and overall health is too important to ignore. By taking steps to

eat healthy, you'll be on your way to getting the nutrients your body needs to

stay healthy, active, and strong. As with physical activity, making small changes in your

diet can go a long way, and it's easier than you think!