Latin America

Your Health

Diet and nutrition is an issue which is continuing to dominate the agendas of media, governments, NGOS and food and drink industries around the world. Whilst there are many different complex dietary and nutritional considerations across countries and regions, according to the World Health Organization, people of all age groups, regions and countries are today affected by Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In fact, it estimates that NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally (8).

Noncommunicable – or chronic – diseases are described as being diseases of long duration and generally slow progression and, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets are factors which increase the risk of dying from a NCD.

In this section, we focus on some of the main noncommunicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition, as well as looking more closely at the issue of malnutrition within this region. We also look at the importance of dental health in preventing oral diseases, the most common noncommunicable diseases which affect people throughout their lifetime.(9)

IN THIS SECTION

Obesity

Obesity

Food and drink provide our bodies with energy in the form of calories. If we consistently consume more ‘energy’ or calories than our body uses, then this can lead to an accumulation of excess body fat.

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Diabetes

Diabetes

Despite what some may think sugar hasn’t been established as a cause of type 2 diabetes

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Malnutrition

Malnutrition

Micronutrients enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances essential for growth and development; and without these micronutrients – the body cannot function properly.

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Dental health

Dental health

Sugars are a type of ‘fermentable carbohydrate’ - this also includes some starches.

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