Expert reviewed • 08 January 2025 • 4 minute read
Nutritional diseases reflect imbalances in dietary intake or nutrient processing. These problems affect both developed and developing countries, leading to issues such as obesity, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders.
Imbalances in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can cause significant health issues.
| Condition | Nutrient Imbalance | Primary Effects | Risk Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity | Excess caloric intake | Metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular strain | All ages, especially developed nations |
| Protein-Energy Malnutrition | Insufficient protein/calories | Growth failure, immune suppression | Children in developing nations |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Carbohydrate metabolism | Glucose regulation failure | Increasingly prevalent, incl. youth |
Essential vitamins and minerals support metabolic functions, growth, and disease prevention. Deficiencies can impair cellular energy production, DNA synthesis, and immunity.
Disruption of energy balance and nutrient utilisation can lead to hormonal imbalances, impaired cellular function, and altered metabolic pathways.
Obesity involves excess fat storage, inflammation, and hormonal changes. Type 2 diabetes progresses from insulin resistance to hyperglycaemia and organ damage.
A balanced diet, portion control, nutrient timing, and focusing on whole foods supports disease prevention. Public health measures (food labelling, improved access, nutritional education) further reduce incidence.
Nutritional rehabilitation, medical interventions, exercise programs, behavioural strategies, and support groups are employed to manage conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Personalised nutrition, integrating genetic and metabolic data, and advanced technology (digital monitoring, AI-driven analysis) will guide targeted interventions and improve health outcomes.