Poor Nutrition Is Worse Than Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Combined

Bad eating habits kill more people than drugs, tobacco, and alcohol combined. A new study conducted by the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition has found that poor nutrition is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and premature death. What you eat has the biggest impact on your health. Poor food choices can dramatically shorten your lifespan.

Research indicates that bad nutrition accounts for over 11 percent of death and illness. A diet that’s high in sugar, red meat, and salt increases the risk of death by 10.8 percent. Tobacco smoking, on the other hand, is responsible for 10.7 percent of illnesses and death. In certain parts of the world, such as southern and eastern Africa, processed foods account for up to 65 percent of the daily calorie intake.

According to health experts, poor nutrition is the main factor driving the global burden of diseases. The second factor on the list is high blood pressure followed by child malnutrition, smoking, pollution, and a high body mass index. Yet, one in three people has bad eating habits.

The dangers of poor nutrition shouldn’t be overlooked. Eating highly processed foods puts you at risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease anemia, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, and obesity. It may also lead to osteoporosis, tooth decay, stroke, and nutrient deficiencies.

Bad nutrition is a global problem. The rates of obesity and chronic diseases are increasing worldwide. In poor regions, such as Asia and Africa, people are struggling with both obesity and undernourishment. Children are the most vulnerable to these issues. About 45.4 percent of children under five die because of malnutrition. A bad diet elevates the risk of vitamin A and zinc deficiencies, slow growth, and diminished mental capacities.

However, poor eating habits are a problem in rich countries too. People spend their money on whole, nutritious foods as well as on junk food, sugary drinks, and processed meats. The Western diet, which is high in sugar and trans fat, is rapidly spreading across the world. Experts believe that a third of the population will be obese by 2030. The only way to stop the obesity epidemic is to educate people on the dangers of poor nutrition and limit the production of heavily processed food.