Understanding Your Health: Which of the following diseases is likely to be nutrition-related?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health. Understanding which of the following diseases is likely to be nutrition-related? is crucial for proactive healthcare and personal well-being, as diet profoundly impacts both short-term health and the development of chronic conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the wide spectrum of diseases linked to nutrition, from classic deficiency diseases like scurvy and rickets to modern issues arising from overconsumption, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It details the physiological connections between diet and health outcomes, highlighting how nutrient intake, whether insufficient or excessive, is a key determinant of disease risk and prevention.

Key Points

Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of specific vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin C leading to scurvy, directly causes disease.
Overconsumption Impact: Excessive intake of calories and unhealthy fats contributes to overnutrition-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Chronic Illness Link: Diet is a critical factor in the development and management of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and hypertension.
Lifestyle Disease Prevention: Maintaining a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is a primary strategy for preventing many non-communicable diseases.
Diverse Conditions: The spectrum of nutrition-related diseases includes everything from classic deficiency syndromes to modern metabolic disorders influenced by dietary patterns.
Bone Health: Proper intake of calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health, with deficiencies leading to conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.
Mental Wellness: A balanced diet supports overall well-being, as deficiencies in certain vitamins, like B-vitamins, can impact mental and neurological health.

The Broad Scope of Nutrition-Related Diseases

When we ask, "Which of the following diseases is likely to be nutrition-related?", the answer encompasses a vast and diverse range of conditions. From classic deficiency-driven illnesses to complex chronic diseases exacerbated by poor dietary patterns, nutrition is a fundamental determinant of health. The link between what we eat and our physical well-being is undeniable, impacting everything from immune function to long-term health outcomes. This article will explore the different ways diet contributes to disease, categorized into three main areas: deficiency diseases, overconsumption-related disorders, and chronic conditions influenced by dietary patterns.

Deficiency Diseases: The Absence of Vital Nutrients

Nutrient deficiencies occur when the body does not absorb or get the required amount of a nutrient from food. These conditions were more prevalent historically but still affect large populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Even in developed nations, specific deficiencies can arise from poor dietary choices or underlying health conditions. Common deficiency diseases include scurvy (lack of vitamin C), rickets (lack of vitamin D), iron-deficiency anemia, pellagra (lack of niacin), goitre (iodine deficiency), and severe protein-energy malnutrition like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

Overconsumption and Lifestyle-Related Diseases

Overconsumption of calories, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars is linked to a rise in non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Obesity, caused by an energy imbalance, increases the risk of other chronic conditions. Type 2 diabetes is significantly influenced by diet, with high consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars leading to insulin resistance. Weight management through diet is crucial for prevention and management. Heart diseases like coronary artery disease are linked to diet; high intake of saturated/trans fats increases cholesterol, while diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats support heart health. Diet and obesity are also linked to increased risk for certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer.

Chronic Conditions Influenced by Diet

Diet also plays a role in many chronic conditions through inflammation and nutritional status.

Osteoporosis: Low calcium and vitamin D intake weakens bones. A balanced diet is vital for bone mass.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Diet management is a primary treatment.
Mental and Neurological Health: Diet, gut health, and mental health are linked. B vitamin deficiencies are associated with depression and cognitive issues.

Comparative Overview of Nutritional Diseases


Feature	Deficiency Diseases	Excess/Overconsumption Diseases
Cause	Insufficient intake of essential nutrients.	Excessive intake of calories, unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugars.
Mechanism	Impaired bodily functions due to lack of vital nutrients.	Energy imbalance, fat accumulation, metabolic issues, inflammation.
Examples	Scurvy, Rickets, Iron-deficiency anemia.	Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases.
Affected Populations	Historically, low-income nations; now, specific groups with poor diets.	Widespread in high-income countries.
Prevention Strategy	Ensuring adequate nutrient intake, supplementation, food fortification.	Limiting processed foods, reducing sugars/unhealthy fats, increasing fruit/vegetable intake.

The Broader Impact of a Balanced Diet

Good nutrition is foundational to overall wellness and disease prevention. A balanced diet supports immune function, mental health, and energy levels. Promoting healthy eating is a critical public health goal. Education and access to nutritious food are key strategies. The World Health Organization provides guidance on healthy eating.

Conclusion: The Answer is Multifaceted

Many diseases are nutrition-related, ranging from direct deficiencies to long-term conditions caused by poor dietary habits. Understanding this link allows for informed choices to prevent a wide range of nutritional diseases and improve overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Undernutrition-related diseases are caused by a lack of essential nutrients, leading to conditions like scurvy or rickets. Overnutrition-related diseases result from an excess intake of calories, fats, or sugars, contributing to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Diet influences heart disease risk through factors like saturated and trans fat intake, which can increase cholesterol levels and promote plaque buildup in arteries. High sodium intake also contributes to hypertension. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

While not a direct cause, poor diet is a significant risk factor for several types of cancer. Unhealthy eating patterns and obesity are linked to an increased risk of cancers of the colon, breast, and other organs. A diet rich in plant-based antioxidants may offer protection.

Yes, type 2 diabetes is a nutrition-related disease. While genetics and other factors play a role, it is heavily influenced by diet and lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits, especially high consumption of processed sugars and fats, can lead to insulin resistance and obesity, which are major risk factors.

Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies globally include iron deficiency, leading to anemia, and iodine deficiency, which can cause goitre. Vitamin D, B12, and calcium deficiencies are also prevalent, particularly in certain populations.

Nutrition affects mental health by providing the essential building blocks for neurotransmitters and brain function. Deficiencies in nutrients like B vitamins have been linked to mood changes, such as depression. A balanced diet supports overall brain function and may reduce inflammation that impacts mental well-being.

Yes, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa are nutrition-related diseases, involving both psychological and physiological components. They result in severe malnutrition and can lead to significant health complications, highlighting a complex intersection between mental health and nutrient intake.