Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition was provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its constitution in 1948. Health encompasses various aspects of an individual's life, including physical fitness, mental well-being, social interactions, and the ability to adapt to one's environment.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It refers to the intake of food and its utilization by the body for growth, development, and maintenance of bodily functions. Adequate nutrition is essential for the proper functioning of all body systems, including the immune system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system.
On the other hand, malnutrition refers to a state of inadequate or imbalanced nutrition, resulting from insufficient intake, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients. Malnutrition can manifest in two forms: undernutrition and overnutrition.
Undernutrition occurs when there is a deficiency of essential nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This can lead to various health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, impaired cognitive development, and increased risk of mortality. According to the WHO, undernutrition contributes to nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of five worldwide.
Overnutrition, on the other hand, refers to excessive intake of nutrients, particularly calories, leading to obesity and related health issues. Overnutrition is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders. The WHO estimates that worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
To illustrate the impact of nutrition on health, here are a few references:
1. World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution
2. World Health Organization. (2021). Malnutrition. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
3. Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., de Onis, M., ... & Uauy, R. (2013). Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet, 382(9890), 427-451.
4. World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight