Diet And Health Problems (7)

Question 1

Define
1. Malnutrition
2. Overnutrition
3. Undernutrition

Answer 1

1. Malnutrition is a condition caused by an excessive or insufficient intake of nutrients. It covers two conditions known as overnutrition and undernutrition
2. Overnutrition refers to an excessive consumption of nutrients to an extent that adversely affects health. Results in diet-related health problems such as obesity, type-2 diabetes and coronary heart disease
3. Undernutrition readers to an inadequate intake of nutrients to meet the body’s needs. The consequences of undernutrition include stunted growth, underweight and diet-related health problems such as osteoporosis and anaemia

Question 2

1. Obesity
2. Risk factors
3. Prevention

Answer 2

1. Excessive storage of body fat
2. Family history, physical inactivity, excessive intake of high-calorie foods
3. -Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent hunger pangs and possible overeating

-Increase intake of dietary fibre as it is able to provide a feeling of satiety. This can help to delay hunger and prevent overeating

-Reduce sugar and fat intake as excessive consumption contributes to energy intake and may lead to weight gain if excess calories are not expended

-Exercise regularly to prevent weight gain and obesity. Physical activities use energy obtained from the diet and help people to maintain or even lose weight

Question 3

1. Hypertension
2. Risk factors
3. Prevention

Answer 3

1. Blood is pumped around the body at a persistently high pressure
2. Family history, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet (high in saturated fats, trans fats and salt), Stress

A diet high in salt causes the body to retain more fluid and this increases the volume of blood. When blood volume increases, it exerts higher pressure against the blood vessel walls, causing the blood pressure to rise

Eating too much saturated fats and trans fats can result in the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels. These cause the heart to pump blood around the body at a higher pressure

3. Reduce the intake of salt to prevent excess fluid retention, which otherwise leads to increased blood volume and pressure

Reduce the intake of saturated fat as it causes the narrowing of blood vessels which leads to hypertension

Exercise regularly to prevent being overweight or obese, and reduce stress as they are risk factors of hypertension

Question 4

1. Type 2 Diabetes
2. Insulin
3. What will type 2 diabetes lead to

Answer 4

1. Blood glucose level is abnormally high over a prolonged period of time.
2. Insulin is a hormone that aids body cells to absorb glucose. This hormone is usually released into the bloodstream after a meal.

In a healthy person, glucose in the bloodstream is absorbed into the body cells with the help of insulin. This helps to keep the blood glucose level normal

The body cells of a person suffering from type 2 diabetes are unable to absorb glucose as they do not react to insulin. As a result, the glucose level builds up in the bloodstream, causing high blood glucose level.

3. Type 2 diabetes is irreversible and if left uncontrolled, will lead to many health complications such as blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, heart disease and limb amputation

Question 5

1. Risk factors of type 2 diabetes
2. Prevention

Answer 5

1. Family history, physical inactivity, obesity
2. Increase the intake of wholegrains as it helps in regulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream, thus preventing a sharp increase in the blood glucose level

Use monounsaturated fats

Strive for energy balance by reducing the intake of sugar and saturated fat. An excessive intake of energy causes weight gain and increases the risk of diabetes

Regular exercise is needed to maintain a healthy weight and helps to regulate the blood glucose level and prevent diabetes

Question 6

1. Coronary Heart Disease
2. Risk factors

Answer 6

1. Blockage of coronary artery, which causes an area of heart tissue to lose its blood supply and become damaged
2. Family history, physical inactivity, obesity, unhealthy diet (high in cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fat), diabetes, hypertension

Diets high in cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats increase the level of bad blood cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol).

Fats and LDL cholesterol tend to build up along the artery walls, causing the formation of plaque.
Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood supply to the heart muscles.

Question 7

Prevention of coronary heart disease

Answer 7

-Include fruit and vegetables in the diet as they are typically lower in fat and contain essential nutrients for good health. An adequate intake of fruit and vegetables also prevents overeating, which in turn reduces the risk of obesity a risk factor of coronary heart disease.

-Use monounsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats in the preparation of meals. Monounsaturated fat increase the level of good blood cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). In general, a high level of HDL cholesterol has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease

-Limit fat and sugar intake as it may lead to obesity, a risk factor of coronary heart disease

-Regular exercise has positive effects on heart health

Question 8

1. Dehydration + symptoms
2. Risk factors
3. Prevention

Answer 8

1.Body water output exceeds water intake

Thirst, dry skin and mouth, general weakness, infrequent urination, nausea, vomiting, fever, concentrated urine and mental confusion

2. The elderly as they are less sensitive to the sensation of thirst and their kidneys are less capable of conserving body water

Individuals who are sick with symptoms such as fever, vomiting diarrhoea and sweating, which lead to excessive fluid loss from the body

People who perform strenuous tasks or exercise vigorously and sweat profusely

3.Consume sufficient fluids, and fruit and vegetables with high water content to effectively prevent dehydration

Stay well hydrated before, during and after physical activities. Do not rely on thirst as the indicator of hydration status

Question 9

1. Heatstroke + symptoms
2. Risk factor
3. Prevention

Answer 9

1. Body’s failure to adequately dissipate heat and regulate the body temperature.

Severe heatstroke can cause damage to the brain and other vital body organs or even death

A body temperature of 40 degrees or higher, rapid breathing, sudden stop of perspiration and seizure

2. Insufficient fluid intake during hot and humid whether, poor acclimatisation to high temperatures, unsuitable clothing during hot and humid weather
3. Dink enough fluids/water

Rest in cool and airy places

Wear lightweight clothing in hot and humid weather

Question 10

1. Constipation
2. Risk factors
3. Prevention

Answer 10

1. Infrequent bowel movements or difficultly in passing stools
2. Inadequate consumption of dietary fibre and fluid, resulting in dry and hard stools.
3. Consume dietary fibre-rich food and sufficient fluids/water. Dietary fibre absorbs water and adds bulk to stools, making the stools softer, larger, and thus, easier to pass through the large intestine

Question 11

1. Osteoporosis
2. Bone density

Answer 11

1. Low bone density and weakened bone strength.
2. Bone density measures the amount of bone minerals in the bone. The higher the bone density, the stronger the bones are

Question 12

1. Osteoporosis risk factors
2. Prevention

Answer 12

1. A diet low in vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, physical inactivity and a lack of exposure to sun

Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis as they generally have smaller, thinner bones than men

2. It is important that children and teenagers consume foods that are rich calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D to maximise bone density

In adults and seniors, consuming foods high in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, and staying physically active help to minimise bone loss

Sufficient exposure to sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D that is needed for bone formation

Question 13

1. Anaemia + symptoms
2. Risk factors
3. Prevention

Answer 13

1. Red blood count is lower than normal.

The symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and pale skin

2. Excessive blood loss, insufficient iron intake, poor iron absorption due to gastrointestinal diseases

Women are at greater risk of developing anaemia because they lose blood during menstruation. Pregnant women also have a higher risk of anaemia due to a higher iron requirement to produce more haemoglobin for the foetus

3. Include adequate amounts of vitamin c and iron-rich foods in a well-balanced diet