Diet-related health problems can arise from eating too many or too few of certain nutrients, or from taking too many dietary supplements, such as calcium or vitamin A. Short-term malnutrition can usually be reversed with medical care, but long-term nutritional imbalance can lead to weight gain and the development of potentially life-threatening diseases. Complications of these illnesses, in turn, may pose additional health hazards. Eating a variety of nutritious foods reduces your risk for many diet-related conditions.
Anemia
Your body functions depend on the oxygen and nutrients delivered to cells by your bloodstream. If you aren't getting enough iron or vitamins B-2, B-9 or B-12, your red blood cell count drops and your cells may not get the nutrition and oxygen they need. This condition is called anemia and is characterized by symptoms of weakness, fatigue and light-headedness. Chronic cases may lead to heart arrhythmia and damage to other organs.
Obesity
Obesity is an overweight condition measured by a body mass index of 30 or more. Carrying too many pounds creates its own complications as well as increasing your chances of developing serious chronic illnesses, such as heart disease. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, children and adults who are obese are more likely to have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and depression. Obese adults have a greater incidence of reproductive problems, arthritis, gall bladder disease, incontinence, sleep apnea and asthma.
Heart Disease
Overweight conditions raise cardiovascular risk, and a diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol or sodium directly contributes to clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, and hypertension. These two heart conditions can lead to blood clots, angina, arrhythmia and potentially fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Overweight and obesity, as well as diets with carbohydrate imbalances, contribute to a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, an incurable condition that requires daily medication. The American Diabetes Association reports many serious complications associated with this diet-related disease, including glaucoma, kidney disease and nerve damage.
Cancer
In addition to increased cancer risk from overweight and obese conditions, dietary imbalance also can contribute to certain types of cancer. The USDA reports that diets with high ratios of saturated animal fat and low ratios of fruit and vegetable fiber are associated with greater colorectal cancer incidence. Weight-related cancers include gall bladder, kidney, colon, uterine, prostate and breast.
