It used to be that a "poor diet" referred to malnutrition, not eating enough and not getting enough nutrients. After the turn of the 21st century, the term shifted in accordance with the most common health problems to imply over-nutrition, or eating too much. With the popularity of fast food and the abundance of chips, candy and soda, a poor diet can cause serious health problems.
Obesity
According to an Associated Press story, obesity is quickly becoming one of the most common health problems related to a poor diet in the United States. Americans favor inexpensive, convenient foods like French fries, hamburgers, chips, chocolate bars, cookies and muffins. These foods are high in calories and fat, which is why the obesity rates in America are so high. The risk with obesity, according to the AP, is that it can lead to other health problems like strokes, heart disease and even cancer.
Early Death
As of 2004, eating a poor diet was the second leading cause of premature death, according to the AP. Researches at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that it looks very likely that a poor diet will soon be the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Factors like overeating and eating too much salt, too many calories and too much saturated fat are key elements of a poor diet, which can lead to an early death.
Hypertension
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, most Americans eat too much salt in their foods and as an additive to flavor. Though eating some salt each day is fine, eating too much can lead to hypertension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines hypertension as blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher. The risks associated with hypertension include heart attacks and strokes.
Type 2 Diabetes
The National Institutes of Health states that as of 2005, 21 million Americans had diabetes. This number is increasing rapidly, and type 2 diabetes is beginning to affect children for the first time, according to the NIH. The main causes for type 2 diabetes are obesity and a diet high in calories and fat. Since junk food and fast food are so popular in America, and many people don't get enough fruits and vegetables, diabetes is a serious problem.
