The word "malnutrition" tends to elicit mental images of starving children in famine-stricken countries. It is not a disease typically associated with developing nations. Unfortunately, malnutrition -- which simply means "bad nourishment" -- is all too common in the United States and other wealthy countries. Whether you are obese, normal weight or anorexic, you can become malnourished if your diet is not well-balanced and your supply of nutrients, protein and energy is inadequate. To avoid becoming malnourished while dieting, work with your health care provider to develop a nutritious meal plan that fits your particular needs.
Research
Researchers in Sydney and New South Wales conducted a survey of teenage girls to determine the impact of chronic dieting on their overall health. The study, published in the "Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2010, showed that the girls who reported frequent use of weight control programs often had a healthy body mass index overall, but showed disturbing signs of undernutrition compared with their peers, including low hemoglobin, calcium, total protein, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Additionally, the yo-yo dieters had higher levels of creatinine and potassium.
Dieting
Weight and body mass index aren't good indicators of overall health by themselves. If you eat 1,600 calories of potato chips per day, you might maintain your weight but will become nutrient-deficient very quickly. Unfortunately, many fad diets use a low-calorie model that neglects the importance of basic nutrition. Other diets, such as some low-carb programs, help you lose weight by eliminating entire healthy food groups.
Symptoms
The symptoms of malnutrition might be too subtle to notice until the damage is done. For instance, of particular concern in the Australian study was the dieter's low calcium levels because women frequently aren't aware of calcium deficiency until their bones fracture later in life. Some general signs of malnutrition include weight loss, lethargy, dizziness and loss of menses in women. Other signs can include frequent illness, dry or scaly skin, tooth decay, delayed growth, bleeding gums, muscle weakness, difficulty learning new material, bloating and broken bones. If you exercise, you might notice that you fatigue more quickly or have difficulty breathing. This often is an indicator of iron deficiency, or anemia. More extensive blood work and tests are necessary to pinpoint exact nutrient deficiencies.
Considerations
Talk to your health care provider about devising a diet plan that will meet all of your nutritional needs and help you to lose weight in a healthy fashion. Your provider might recommend that you take supplements while dieting to prevent malnutrition. Keep in mind that there are no healthy "quick-fix" diets. To lose weight, you need to be committed to good nutrition for a lifetime.
Member Comments