If you do not have to be worried of not having food on the table or being able to eat literally almost anything you want, consider yourself a lucky one. Studies show that 828 million people go to bed hungry every night and this number is estimated to rise continuously due to the climate crisis and rising cost of living. Additional of 161 million people around the world are facing hunger in 2020 alone, a number that is more than what it was in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it can be estimated that this number is unlikely to be reduced and access to healthy foods would be more difficult than ever in the near future. Get Vaccinated.
Hunger is indeed a really uncomfortable and painful physical sensation caused by the insufficient consumption of food. Hunger is mainly caused by food insecurity. Food insecurity is a condition of a person unable to secure safe and nutritious food for a normal and healthy life due to lack of regular access. It can be due to lack of food resources or absence of food availability.
Food insecurity has been proved to be responsible for many health issues. These health issues can affect any age group but significantly can be seen in the vulnerable group such as children and old people. Common health issues arise from food insecurity are:
1- Underdevelopment in children
Children need healthy meals for their growth and development, mentally and physically. Food insecurity can lead a child to eat less healthy food or eat more unhealthy food they can get from eating almost anything that is available. Eating this way does not provide adequate nutrients needed for children and a child is likely to develop diseases that can be sustained up to their adulthood such as cognitive issues and short stature.
2- Higher risk for mental health issues
Food insecurity leads to decreased nutrient intakes. Brain, just as other body parts, need nutrients from healthy food to develop well. Lack of nutrients causes the brain unable to function well due to the change of the brain chemical and structures damages caused by hunger. Constant worries of when the next meal will be makes a person prone to mental health problems. This eventually makes a person likely to develop mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Suicidal tendencies are high among those with food insecurity.
3- Higher risk for chronic diseases
Data from research shows that adults living in households that are affected by food insecurity are likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the future. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with other chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis and chronic pain. It is common to see a person who is food insecure have multiple chronic diseases at a time. Read – How to take care of heaty health
4- Bad care or treatment for diseases
Those with existing medical conditions that need medical care and facing food insecurity, have a worst health outcome compared to those that are food-secured. Food insecurity can worsen the existing condition as they usually struggle to keep track of therapeutic diet and to cope with medication due to high expense or inability to afford it.
5- Limitation of daily activities
The ability to perform daily activities is good for the body and the mind. Food insecurity leads a person to have less energy and often ends up being sick due to susceptibility towards infectious disease or physically weak due to lack of nutrients.
The need to eradicate food insecurity is more important than ever although it is not an easy task. Unsolved food insecurity issues will further lead many people to fall into debilitating health issues.
