Over nutrition is a type of malnutrition that involves too much intake of nutrients leading to body fat build -up within the adipose tissues. It is associated with a high risk of health challenges.
It presents as either overweight –BMI between 25-30 or obesity-BMI above 30(Refer to topic on BMI).
Types of overnutrition
The consistent high consumption of nutrients than the body requires can cause over-nutrition, which generally presents as micronutrient over-nutrition( less common type of overnutrition) or energy overnutrition. Usually, overnutrition is not noticeable within short periods, with the lack of signs and symptoms being apparent. Although over time, it begins to manifest with signs such as an increase in weight.
With micro-nutrient over nutrition, there is an excess intake of minerals and vitamins that is mainly caused by the use of supplements. The heavy reliance of micronutrient supplements or high intake of vitamin and mineral food sources triggers micronutrient over nutrition.
Causes of Overnutrition
- The over-consumption of nutrients– The excess consumption of food leads to overnutrition, which manifests over time. When you over-consume any type of food including macronutrients- proteins, carbohydrates and fats and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, you likely will develop over-nutrition. The frequent use of supplements increases the probability for micro-nutrient over-nutrition while the high intake of macro-nutrients lead to weight gain. As long as the energy obtained is not put into use, it will be stored as fats which later leads to the effects of over-nutrition.
- A sedentary lifestyle-The lack or limited involvement in physical activities is associated with an increased probability for over-nutrition. Since then, the energy obtained from nutrients is not utilized.
On a broader scale, factors that further promote the likelihood of overnutrition are:
- Urbanization –With increasing numbers of individuals relocating to urban centres and having an ease in access to fast foods, there has been increases in the number of over-nutrition cases.
- Economic expansion-With increased levels of per capita income, there is increased availability and accessibility to foods, which in turn leads to increased risk of over-nutrition.
- The increase in preference for refined foods over plant foods-The preference for refined foods over plant-based alternatives further enhances the likelihood of over-nutrition, because even with little intake of refined foods, you’re likely to obtain high numbers of calories compared to when you consume non-refined foods of the same amount.
How Overnutrition Can Be Managed
Over-nutrition can be managed by implementing dietary and lifestyle changes. This will involve a weight loss and exercise plan. The management of any underlying conditions should also prioritized, along with counselling and nutrition education .