Effects of poor diet on children

Children who have poor diets -- whether because of a lack of food or because of patterns of eating that lead to inadequate intake of nutrients -- are prone to significant short-term and long-term health impacts and diseases. Children afflicted by sustained poor nutrition are at greater risk for obesity, mental and emotional health problems, and a failure to thrive academically.

Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of obesity in children, a condition which can be dangerous and lead to lifetime health complications. The Children's Defense Fund notes children in families with insufficient access to nutritious foods are in fact significantly more likely to be obese in early childhood than other children. This is the result of excessive calorie intake and an emphasis on foods that have high levels of fat, sugar and sodium. This is especially true of children who regularly consume fast food. According to the Lerner Centre for Public Health Promotion, obesity in children can lead to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and a variety of other health problems. Obesity can also result in a negative self-image, eating disorders, a decreased quality of life and other long-term psychosocial problems that are extremely difficult to reverse.

Mental and Emotional Health

According to the Children's Defense Fund, children who do not have access to proper nutrition are much more likely to suffer from psychological disorders, such as anxiety or learning disabilities. These children are also significantly more likely to require mental health counselling. Poor nutrition negatively impacts a child's ability to develop properly and adapt normally to certain situations. Certain nutritional habits that children may be prone to, such as skipping meals or overindulging in sugary foods, have also been linked to depression. Mental and emotional health problems in children are often reinforced by obesity and low self-esteem, which may be the result of poor nutrition (Children’s Defense Fund.)

Education

Children with poor nutrition are likely to miss school days and be required to repeat grades. When a child does not get the required amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for health, it could lead to lethargy, a lack of energy and a general failure to thrive. A failure to thrive academically and socially, resulting from improper nutrition, can have lasting impacts throughout a person's life if it's not corrected early.

Illness

Poor nutrition and obesity have the potential to result in chronic illnesses. One of these conditions is diabetes, which is preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Poor nutrition in childhood, can lead to a lifetime of problems including heart disease, stroke, limb amputation and blindness, and an addition of financial burden. Poor nutrition in childhood also has the potential to negatively impact a person's reproductive health. Ingrained eating habits that lead to these diseases are very difficult to reverse.

Parents or guardians should see the child's doctor regularly for screening of signs for these health problems. If your child needs treatment, work with your child's doctor to ensure that your child is getting the best medical care possible, both at home and at medical checkups.