Inadequate Diet Results In Malnutrition – Atuahene Antwi

Mr. Samuel Atuahene Antwi, a Nutrition Officer at the Tema Metro Health Directorate, has urged the public to be mindful of their diet to stay away from malnutrition, stressing that malnutrition is a condition, which is caused by an imbalance between what a person eats, and the nutrients they need to maintain good health.

According to Atuahene Antwi, malnutrition commonly occurs when someone does not eat enough food; however, it can also occur if a person has a poor diet that provides unbalanced food groups.

The nutritionist explained that it is possible for an obese person, whose diet consists mainly of ‘fast foods’, to be malnourished because this type of food lacks the nutrients that their body requires.

Speaking to Akua Konadu Okontie on Plan B FM’s health show dubbed Apomuden Fie, Mr Atuahene Antwi pointed out that inadequate diet could also lead to a person having a deficiency of one, or more of vitamins, minerals, or other essential substances.

“For example, a Vitamin C deficiency can occur if a person does not include enough fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. This can lead to a condition called scurvy”, he added.

Touching on the age group of people, who are affected by malnutrition, Mr Antwi stressed that anyone can become malnourished if over a prolonged period, they do not consume enough food to fulfil their nutritional needs or if they have an unhealthy diet. 

However, the groups who are most at risk according to the seasoned nutritionist are children under 5 years, pregnant women, the elderly, people with low incomes, the socially isolated and people with chronic disorders.

Mr Atuahene Antwi pointed out that malnutrition could have a number of adverse effects on the body adding that, if you are malnourished, your body will slow down and will not work as normal.

“In some cases, malnutrition can also lead to feelings of apathy, tiredness, and depression”, he added.

Concluding, the nutritionist indicated that, the best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy balanced diet adding that, one needs to eat variety of foods from the main food groups, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, plenty of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta to avoid malnourishment.