Quick questions on Diet-related diseases: N(A)-Level Nutrition and Food Science

Obesity is having too much body fat, caused over time by energy in being greater than energy out, that is, eating more energy (especially from fatty and sugary food) than the body uses. Obesity is itself a starting point for other diseases. It is prevented by balancing energy intake with activity: smaller portions, less fatty and sugary food, more activity.

Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries to the heart become narrowed by a build-up of fatty deposits. A diet high in saturated fat raises blood cholesterol, which speeds this build-up. It is reduced by eating less saturated fat (grill or steam instead of frying, trim fat, choose unsaturated oils) and staying active.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body can no longer control its blood sugar properly. It is linked to being overweight, a diet high in free sugar and inactivity. It is reduced by cutting free sugar, eating wholegrains for steady energy, losing excess weight and exercising.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is linked to eating too much salt and to being overweight, and it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is reduced by using less salt, eating fewer salty processed foods, and keeping to a healthy weight.

Osteoporosis is a disease of weak, brittle bones that break easily, linked to a long-term shortage of calcium (and vitamin D). It is reduced by eating enough calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, tofu, small fish with bones) and getting enough vitamin D, especially while bones are still building.

Anaemia is a shortage of healthy red blood cells, often from too little iron, causing tiredness and a pale appearance. It is reduced by eating iron-rich foods (red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, beans) with a vitamin C food to aid absorption.

Explain how a diet high in saturated fat can lead to heart disease. [3 marks]

Name the disease linked to too much salt and suggest one way to reduce the risk. [2 marks]

Suggest three changes to diet or lifestyle to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. [3 marks]