Learning Outcomes
i. Recognize the effects of malnutrition on the body.
ii. Understand the relationship between malnutrition and conditions like starvation, heart disease, constipation, and obesity.
Summary of Lesson
In this lesson, we will explore the serious consequences of malnutrition, which can range from the life-threatening condition of starvation to widespread health problems like heart disease, constipation, and obesity. Each of these conditions is linked to the quality and quantity of our diet and highlights the importance of balanced nutrition.
Malnutrition refers to getting either too little or too much of certain nutrients. It can lead to starvation when the body doesn't get enough food, which can cause muscle wasting and a weakened immune system. On the other hand, too much unhealthy food can lead to obesity, a growing problem worldwide that increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Even without obesity, poor diet can lead to heart disease by causing high cholesterol and blood pressure. Malnutrition can also cause digestive problems, such as constipation, which is often due to a lack of fiber in the diet.
List of Important Questions for Self-Study
i. How does malnutrition contribute to starvation, and what are the body's responses?
ii. In what ways can malnutrition lead to heart disease?
iii. How does a poor diet cause constipation?
iv. What is the link between malnutrition and obesity?
Important Terminologies Used in Lesson
i. Malnutrition: An imbalance in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients.
ii. Starvation: A severe deficiency in caloric energy, nutrient, and vitamin intake.
iii. Heart Disease: A range of conditions that affect the heart, often caused or exacerbated by poor diet and lifestyle.
iv. Constipation: A condition characterized by difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.
v. Obesity: A disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.
