Nutritional issues amongst the youth and their solutions

  

Today's eating patterns and habits have become unhealthier than ever before. Moreover, the youth of today is living a sedentary life with minimal physical activity.
Here's a list of nutrition-related issues faced by the youth and their solutions:

1. Anaemia:

Iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia amongst the youth. According to WHO, anaemia was the second leading cause of years lost by the adolescent to death and disability in 2016.

Solution:

a. Iron and folic acid supplementation.
b. Deworming.
c. A balanced diet meeting the RDA (Recommended dietary allowances) for all the macro and micronutrients.
d.  Avoid indulgence in unhealthy foods.
e. Consult a nutritionist for dietary and lifestyle changes.

2. Underweight:

In developing countries, a large number of young men and women are undernourished. This makes them more vulnerable to a number of diseases, lowers immunity and poor overall health status. This may also shorten the lifespan and lead to an increased mortality rate.

Solution:

a. A balanced nutritious diet plan meeting the RDA.
b. Making wise food choices to promote growth and development.
c. Including foods with high-quality protein in your diet.
d. Maintaining the IBW (ideal body weight)
e. Increasing the BMI (basal metabolic index) to the normal range.

3. Overweight and obesity:

In higher-income countries, overweight and obesity is a major health issue amongst adolescents and young adults. Due to increased body fat, they become more vulnerable to a number of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Solution:

a. Make sure that the daily calorie intake is lower than the daily calorie expenditure.
b. Increase physical activity.
c. Avoid junk foods.
d. Maintain your IBW.
e. Decreasing the BMI to normal range.

4. Vitamin D deficiency:

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins. It helps to absorb and utilize calcium from the diet, increases bone density, increases stamina and also helps in building muscles.
Vitamin D deficiency leads to severe body pains, decreased bone density and spondylolysis.

Solution:

a. Vitamin D supplementation.
b. Increasing exposure to sunlight.
c. Make sure your diet meets the RDA for vitamin D by including foods such as egg yolks, fatty fish, fish liver oils and fortified foods such as orange juice.

5. Cavities:

Consuming a high sugar diet and a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals increases the risk of developing cavities. Undoubtedly, our food choices today are exceedingly high in sugar content than the recommended daily allowance.

Solution:

a. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet meeting the RDA for all the essential vitamins and minerals.
b. Limiting daily sugar intake. Avoid indulgence in candies, sodas, cakes and other sugary foods and drinks.
c. Maintain good dental hygiene.