Understanding How Nutrition Impacts Health: What Are Three Health Problems Related to Nutrition?

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition, affects every country globally. Addressing this imbalance is critical, as it is a leading risk factor for numerous diseases worldwide. It is crucial to understand what are three health problems related to nutrition? and how to prevent them through proper dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Both insufficient and excessive nutritional intake can lead to serious health consequences, from developmental issues to chronic conditions. Key problems include undernutrition, which results in deficiencies and impaired development; overnutrition leading to obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers; and cardiovascular diseases driven by unhealthy dietary habits.

Key Points

Malnutrition has two sides: It encompasses both undernutrition, a deficiency of nutrients, and overnutrition, an excess intake of calories, both of which can impair health.
Nutrient deficits have specific effects: Lacking essential vitamins and minerals can lead to distinct deficiency diseases, such as anemia from iron deficiency and rickets from insufficient vitamin D.
Obesity is a major risk factor: Overconsumption of calories leads to overweight and obesity, significantly increasing the risk of chronic illnesses like Type 2 Diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Cardiovascular disease is diet-driven: High intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats contributes to hypertension, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis, all major risks for heart attack and stroke.
Processed foods worsen the problem: The modern diet, often high in ultra-processed foods, promotes overnutrition and associated health risks while often lacking essential micronutrients.
Mental health is impacted: Poor nutrition can affect cognitive function, contribute to inflammation, and influence mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

A person's health is fundamentally tied to their diet. The term 'malnutrition' is broad and covers both inadequate nutrient intake (undernutrition) and excessive intake (overnutrition). Both extremes can trigger a cascade of health problems that significantly impact quality of life and longevity. Here, we delve into three primary health issues linked to nutrition: undernutrition, obesity and related chronic diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

Undernutrition and Nutritional Deficiencies

Undernutrition results from an insufficient intake of energy, protein, or other nutrients, causing measurable harm to the body's functions. While often associated with low-income countries, it also affects vulnerable populations in wealthier nations, including the elderly, hospital patients, and those with certain chronic illnesses. The consequences of undernutrition are profound and can manifest in several ways.

Specific Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of specific vitamins and minerals can cause distinct health problems. Some common deficiencies include:

Iron Deficiency: The most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, iron deficiency leads to anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, apathy, and impaired cognitive function. Severe cases can have serious consequences during pregnancy.
Vitamin A Deficiency: This is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children globally. It also impairs immune function, making individuals more vulnerable to infections. Night blindness is an early symptom, progressing to irreversible corneal damage if left untreated.
Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiency: Inadequate intake of vitamin D and calcium affects bone health. In children, this can cause rickets, leading to softened and deformed bones. In adults, it contributes to osteomalacia and osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM): Severe deficiencies in protein and energy can cause marasmus (severe wasting) or kwashiorkor (characterized by edema, a swollen abdomen, and skin issues). PEM is associated with impaired growth, weakened immunity, and poor cognitive development.

Obesity and Associated Chronic Diseases

Overnutrition, characterized by an excessive intake of calories and nutrients, is a growing global problem. This leads to overweight and obesity, which significantly increase the risk of developing several serious health conditions. The rise in obesity is often linked to the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, but low in essential nutrients.

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) Linked to Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for several NCDs, often beginning with metabolic dysfunction.

Type 2 Diabetes: Unhealthy diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. Excess body fat can alter the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, a primary risk factor for the disease.
Certain Cancers: Poor nutrition and obesity are identified risk factors for various cancers, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances associated with excess body fat are believed to play a role.
Mental Health Disorders: Emerging evidence suggests a link between unhealthy diets, specifically those high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and an increased risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Imbalances in neurotransmitters and inflammation may be contributing factors.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension, is the leading cause of death globally. Unhealthy dietary patterns are one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for CVD. The composition of one's diet heavily influences blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Excessive intake of sodium from processed foods and added salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Atherosclerosis and High Cholesterol: Diets rich in saturated and trans-fats can raise harmful LDL cholesterol levels and promote the build-up of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis). This narrows the blood vessels, impeding blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The Role of Processed Foods: Ultra-processed foods are typically high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making them a significant driver of CVD. Reducing their consumption is a key strategy for protecting heart health.

Comparing Undernutrition and Overnutrition Consequences

While seemingly opposite, both forms of malnutrition have serious, but distinct, health impacts.


Aspect	Undernutrition	Overnutrition
Cause	Insufficient calories and/or nutrients, malabsorption.	Excessive caloric intake and/or poor nutrient balance.
Example Conditions	Anemia, rickets, stunting, kwashiorkor.	Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease.
Physical Impact	Wasting of fat and muscle, stunted growth, weakened immunity.	Excessive fat deposits, metabolic dysfunction, strain on organs.
Psychological Impact	Apathy, irritability, developmental delays.	Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a healthy and balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health, and the health problems related to nutrition are a clear indicator of this necessity. Whether it is the result of insufficient calories and nutrients or the overconsumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, poor nutrition can have devastating effects. Understanding the specific risks associated with undernutrition, obesity, and cardiovascular disease empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices. Prioritizing a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting intake of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, is the best path to long-term health and well-being. For more detailed information on healthy dietary patterns, one can refer to resources such as the World Health Organization's website on healthy diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Undernutrition is an inadequate intake of energy and nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Overnutrition is an excessive intake of calories and nutrients, often resulting in overweight or obesity.

Poor nutrition, particularly a diet high in salt, unhealthy fats, and sugars, can lead to hypertension, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis, which are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

Yes, obesity is a form of malnutrition, specifically overnutrition. It results from an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure, leading to excessive fat deposits that impair health.

Symptoms vary depending on the deficiency. Common signs include fatigue (iron deficiency), night blindness (vitamin A deficiency), weakened bones (vitamin D deficiency), and impaired growth.

The 'dual burden' refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity within the same country, community, or even household. This often happens in places transitioning to diets high in processed foods.

Yes, poor nutrition is linked to mental health issues. Deficiencies in certain vitamins and fatty acids can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, while high-sugar diets can contribute to inflammation, both of which are associated with conditions like depression and anxiety.

Prevention involves adopting a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars. Regular physical activity is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic function.