Eating a variety of foods and staying active during your childhood may help prevent the development of poor health as an adult. A lifetime of healthy eating and exercise can help you achieve a lifeline that is lower in disease and higher in healthy years. On the other hand, poor nutrition choices throughout your youth can lead to many health risks as you get older. The two biggest consequences of poor nutrition are obesity and diabetes.
Obesity
When you're young, it's vitally important to eat a variety of foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and to stay active. While it's tempting to eat high-calorie or high-sugar foods, eating too much of these foods can cause your body to gain excessive weight, even at a young age.
Consequences of Obesity
The consequence of obesity as an adult is disastrous. After a lifetime of unhealthy eating, your health can decline, allowing for the development of several major diseases. According to the American Dietetic Association, adults who are obese are at a much higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer.
The ADA also states that, as of the time of publication, in the United States, obesity is the number one consequence of poor nutritional choices. In 2005, the ADA estimated that, in America, there were around 59 million adults and close to 9 million children, aged 6 to 19 years, who were catagorized as obese. The ADA goes on to say that this nutritional imbalance has been caused by a national higher consumption of food and decrease in exercise.
Diabetes
The number two consequence of poor nutrition is diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates there are millions of Americans who are type 2 and many more at high risk. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle, as well as smoking and genetics. Like obesity, diabetes is a disease that can be avoided by making smart food choices and exercising.
Consequences of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can trigger many undesirable side effects, including high blood sugar, vision problems, impaired sensation in your hands and feet, heart problems and hypertension.
Diabetes is usually a progressive disease, but the risk for developing it can be reduced significantly if you begin a healthy diet and exercise program when you're young. Keeping your diet in balance with a mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is a great way to ensure a healthier adulthood. Add exercise to your daily routine and you greatly increase your chances of avoiding these two undesirable consequences of poor nutrition.
