The Effects of Poor Nutrition on your Health.
                     THE 
EFFECTS OF 
POOR 
NUTRITION 
ON YOUR 
HEALTH
What Causes Poor Nutrition?
• Poor eating habits include under- or over-eating, not having enough of the 
healthy foods we need each day, or consuming too many types of food and 
drink, which are low in fiber or high in fat, salt and/or sugar.
Source: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
How Does Poor Nutrition Affect Us?
• Poor nutrition can impair our daily health and wellbeing and reduce our ability 
to lead an enjoyable and active life.
• In the short term, poor nutrition can contribute to stress, tiredness and our 
capacity to work, and over time, it can contribute to the risk of developing some 
illnesses and other health problems.
Source: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF POOR NUTRITION
Overweight and Obesity
• Eating a healthy diet, along with getting enough physical activity and sleep, can 
help children grow up healthy and prevent overweight and obesity.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Heart Disease and Stroke
• Two of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure 
and high blood cholesterol. 
• Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and the risk for heart 
disease and stroke. 
Source: www.cdc.gov
Type 2 Diabetes
• People who are overweight or have obesity are at increased risk of type 2 
diabetes compared to those at a normal weight because, over time, their bodies 
become less able to use the insulin they make. 
Source: www.cdc.gov
Cancer
• An unhealthy diet can increase the risk of some cancers. Overweight and 
obesity are associated with at least 13 types of cancer, including endometrial 
cancer, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and colorectal cancer.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Deficits in Brain Function
• Having low levels of iron during pregnancy and early childhood is associated 
with mental and behavioral delays in children. 
• Ensuring that iodine levels are high enough during pregnancy also helps a 
growing baby have the best brain development possible.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Hypertension
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is called the silent killer, 
because it frequently remains undetected and thus untreated until damage to 
the body has been done. 
• Eating too much junk food, fried food, salt, sugar, dairy products, caffeine and 
refined food can cause hypertension.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Gout
• Poor nutrition can lead to gout. With gout, uric acid buildup results in the 
formation of crystals in your joints. The painful swelling associated with gout 
can lead to permanent joint damage. 
Source: www.cdc.gov