5.3 Undernutrition Flashcards
What is undernutrition?
most common form of malnutrition among the poor in both developed and underdeveloped countries
What does undernutrition result from?
lack of adequate food required to meet one’s nutrient needs over a period of time
What is food insecurity?
inability to acquire enough food for everyone in their family of the quality of food and variety of foods are inadequate to meet nutritional needs
What are the factors that may lead to food insecurity and undernutrition?
- population growth
- depletion of farmland and water
- war and political unrest
- inadequate shelter and sanitation
- natural disasters
How does population growth affect food insecurity and undernutrition?
expansion often leads to food shortages
What causes depletion of farmland and water?
excess demands
poor farming practices
shrinking resources
What is hunger?
painful sensation caused by lack of food
What is the initial symptom of hunger?
lack of energy due to falling blood sugar levels
What are symptoms of hunger?
impaired ability to learn and concentrate
increased susceptibility to disease and delayed healing
decline in basal metabolic rate
extreme lethargy
breakdown of muscle for fuel
What is the primary cause of hunger?
poverty
Which populations are at a higher risk for hunger in the US?
- working poor
- isolated individuals
- homeless
- elderly
- children
What are the government funded programs to help with undernutrition?
- supplemental nutrition assitance program (SNAP
- woman, infant, and children (WIC)
- child and adult care feeding program
- national lunch school program
What is the SNAP program?
supplemental nutrition assistance program; provides access cards to individuals who qualify to extend their food purchasing power
What is the WIC program?
woman, infant, and children; available to those who meet income guidelines and have one or more nutritional-related health concern
Who was the WIC program created for?
lactating women and children under 5
