Health, nutrition, and skeletal biology: inequality, diet, and the skeleton

Apuntes

Science in context 6.11 – Health and inequality Objective Evaluate issues which require scientific understanding. Health and inequality In this chapter you have learned what makes a balanced diet, and the importance of eating a balanced diet to your health. You know that lifestyle choices – from the type and amount of food you eat to whether you smoke tobacco – all affect your growth, development and well-being. This scientific understanding is based on evidence from many observations and investigations. So why are so many people still suffering from deficiency diseases, or are obese or smokers? Raj and Mariam set out to find out more … Raj: Access to food There is enough food in the world to feed everyone. The problem is inequality of access. People in some countries have more food than they can eat, and many people are becoming obese. People in other countries do not have access to the food they need. 11% of the population of the world (820 million people) are undernourished – their daily food does not contain enough energy and the nutrients that their bodies need. 22% of all children are stunted – they do not grow properly because they do not get a balanced diet. This suffering ...