Introduction
Food security is already a matter of concern for low socioeconomic groups but it is rapidly developing into an issue at state, national and international levels. At an individual level, food security affects people's physical, mental and social well being. The immediate effects are anxiety, hunger and lack of energy. Issues such as whether households get enough food, how it is distributed within the household and whether that food fulfills the nutrition needs of all members of the household show that food security is significantly linked to health.
What are the issues that lead to health related disease?
Homeless people are clearly at risk for nutritional problems, which can have a significant impact on health as a large proportion of the homeless population are underweight and many have emotional problems like stress and depression which affect their appetite. The food inequity occurring throughout the world cause under nutrition. Children experiencing food insecurity suffer several medical problems due to under nutrition, including chronic and recurring physical ailments, and higher rates of fever, cough, colds, diarrhea, and obesity. In addition, this under nutrition can also result in a greater incidence of infections, fatigue, anemia, headaches, impaired cognitive development and visual motor integration.
For adults, under nutrition also results in several medical problems. Common problems include anemia, dental problems, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal complaints, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, acute and chronic infectious diseases, diabetes and malnutrition.
Undernourishment and malnutrition are two conditions widely agreed to be the results of hunger and food insecurity. Studies have shown that undernourished pregnant women are more likely to bear babies with low birth weight, and the babies are then more likely to experience developmental delays that can lead to learning problems. Iron deficiency anemia is also common among hungry and food insecure children. This condition can cause delays in development and learning in children. Children with iron deficiency anemia are also more susceptible to the affects of lead poisoning. In people of every age group, iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms, among other symptoms.
Hunger and food insecurity worsen the effects of all diseases and can accelerate degenerative conditions, especially among the elderly. Food insecurity also creates psychological responses such as anxiety, hostility, and negative perceptions of self-worth. Also, infectious diseases in less developed countries such as malaria, HIV/aids and dengue fever can be expected to be more prevalent.
For adults, under nutrition also results in several medical problems. Common problems include anemia, dental problems, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal complaints, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, acute and chronic infectious diseases, diabetes and malnutrition.
Undernourishment and malnutrition are two conditions widely agreed to be the results of hunger and food insecurity. Studies have shown that undernourished pregnant women are more likely to bear babies with low birth weight, and the babies are then more likely to experience developmental delays that can lead to learning problems. Iron deficiency anemia is also common among hungry and food insecure children. This condition can cause delays in development and learning in children. Children with iron deficiency anemia are also more susceptible to the affects of lead poisoning. In people of every age group, iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms, among other symptoms.
Hunger and food insecurity worsen the effects of all diseases and can accelerate degenerative conditions, especially among the elderly. Food insecurity also creates psychological responses such as anxiety, hostility, and negative perceptions of self-worth. Also, infectious diseases in less developed countries such as malaria, HIV/aids and dengue fever can be expected to be more prevalent.