Module 3: Deficiency & Diseases
1. Malnutrition
Meaning: Malnutrition occurs when a person’s diet does not provide adequate nutrients for
growth and health, or when too much of certain nutrients are consumed.
It can be of two types:
o Undernutrition: Not getting enough calories, proteins, vitamins, or minerals.
o Overnutrition: Eating more calories and fats than the body requires.
2. Undernutrition
Causes: Poverty, lack of awareness about nutrition, infections, poor food availability, eating
disorders.
Effects on health:
o Stunted growth in children.
o Weak immune system → frequent illnesses.
o Fatigue and low energy levels.
o Poor concentration and reduced productivity.
Examples of Deficiency Diseases:
o Iron deficiency → Anemia (weakness, pale skin).
o Vitamin D deficiency → Rickets (weak bones).
o Protein deficiency → Kwashiorkor (swollen belly, muscle wasting).
o Vitamin A deficiency → Night blindness.
3. Overnutrition
Causes: Excessive intake of junk food, high sugar/fat diet, overeating, lack of exercise.
Effects on health:
o Obesity and overweight.
o Type 2 Diabetes (high blood sugar levels).
o Hypertension (high blood pressure).
o Heart problems (stroke, heart attack).
Examples:
o Eating fast food regularly → obesity.
o Excess sugar drinks → diabetes and dental cavities.
4. Body System and Common Diseases
Respiratory System:
o Common Diseases: Asthma, Tuberculosis, Bronchitis.
o Causes: Pollution, smoking, infections.
Digestive System:
o Common Diseases: Constipation, Gastritis, Liver disease, Ulcers.
o Causes: Poor diet, alcohol, stress, infection.
Circulatory System:
o Common Diseases: Hypertension, Heart attack, Stroke.
o Causes: High-fat diet, stress, lack of exercise.
Nervous System:
o Common Issues: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease.
o Causes: High workload, trauma, aging.
Musculoskeletal System:
o Common Diseases: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Back pain.
o Causes: Nutrient deficiencies, sedentary lifestyle, aging.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle and Risk of Disease
Meaning: A sedentary lifestyle is when people sit for long periods and have little physical activity
(e.g., desk jobs, excessive TV or mobile use).
Risks:
o Obesity due to lack of calorie burning.
o Type 2 Diabetes due to insulin resistance.
o Hypertension and heart problems.
o Poor posture → back pain, neck pain.
o Mental health problems → stress, anxiety, depression.
6. Modern Lifestyle and Associated Health Risks
Unhealthy Diet: Fast foods and processed foods are high in fats, sugars, and salt → obesity,
diabetes, hypertension.
Stressful Work & Study Environment: Excessive pressure and competition → anxiety,
depression, hypertension.
Technology Addiction: Overuse of mobile, internet, gaming → poor sleep, eye strain, digital
stress, social isolation.
Lack of Physical Activity: Busy schedules and preference for comfort → weak immunity,
obesity, lifestyle diseases.
Substance Abuse: Smoking, alcohol, and drugs used for relaxation or peer pressure → cancer,
liver damage, respiratory problems.
Body System and Common Diseases
The human body is made up of several systems that work together to maintain health. Poor nutrition,
unhealthy lifestyle, and stress can cause diseases in these systems.
1. Respiratory System (Lungs, airways)
Function: Helps in breathing, exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Common Diseases:
o Asthma → Narrowing of airways, difficulty in breathing. Triggered by dust, smoke, or
allergies.
o Bronchitis → Inflammation of bronchial tubes due to infection or smoking.
o Tuberculosis (TB) → Bacterial infection of lungs, spread through air.
Causes: Pollution, smoking, infections, weak immunity.
2. Digestive System (Stomach, liver, intestines)
Function: Digests food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste.
Common Diseases:
o Constipation → Difficulty in passing stools due to low fiber intake.
o Gastritis → Inflammation of stomach lining due to stress, alcohol, or spicy food.
o Liver Disease (Fatty liver, Hepatitis) → Due to alcohol, junk food, or infections.
Causes: Poor diet, alcohol consumption, infections, lack of hygiene.
3. Circulatory System (Heart, blood, blood vessels)
Function: Circulates blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.
Common Diseases:
o Hypertension (High BP) → Caused by stress, obesity, excess salt.
o Heart Attack → Blockage of blood flow to the heart.
o Stroke → Blockage or bleeding in brain blood vessels.
Causes: High-fat diet, lack of exercise, smoking, stress.
4. Nervous System (Brain, spinal cord, nerves)
Function: Controls thoughts, emotions, memory, and movement.
Common Issues:
o Stress and Anxiety → Due to work pressure, personal problems.
o Depression → Prolonged sadness, loss of interest in life.
o Alzheimer’s → Memory loss in old age.
Causes: Stress, trauma, aging, lifestyle factors.
5. Musculoskeletal System (Bones, muscles, joints)
Function: Provides support, movement, and strength.
Common Diseases:
o Arthritis → Pain and swelling in joints.
o Osteoporosis → Weak and brittle bones due to calcium/vitamin D deficiency.
o Back Pain/Neck Pain → Due to poor posture, sedentary lifestyle.
Causes: Nutrient deficiencies, lack of exercise, aging, wrong posture.
Sedentary Lifestyle and Risk of Disease
Meaning
A sedentary lifestyle means low physical activity — long hours of sitting at a desk, watching TV,
or using mobile/PC with little exercise.
Common in students, office workers, and urban populations.
Risks of Sedentary Lifestyle
1. Obesity – Calories are not burned → weight gain.
2. Diabetes (Type 2) – Sitting for long hours leads to insulin resistance.
3. Hypertension & Heart Diseases – Lack of exercise weakens heart health.
4. Poor Posture Problems – Back pain, neck stiffness, weak muscles.
5. Mental Health Issues – Anxiety, depression, digital stress.
6. Low Energy & Productivity – Inactive lifestyle reduces stamina and focus.
👉 Example: A student studying all day with no exercise, eating junk food, and using mobile late at night is
at high risk of obesity, poor concentration, and stress.
Modern Lifestyle and Associated Health Risks
Features of Modern Lifestyle
Fast-paced life.
Reliance on technology (mobile, internet, computers).
Work/study stress and competition.
Preference for comfort (less physical activity).
Easy access to junk food.
Associated Health Risks
1. Unhealthy Diet
o High consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks.
o Risks → Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension.
2. High Stress Levels
o Pressure of studies, career, and competition.
o Risks → Anxiety, Depression, Hypertension, Heart problems.
3. Technology Addiction
o Overuse of mobiles, social media, and gaming.
o Risks → Poor sleep, eye strain, headaches, social isolation.
4. Lack of Physical Activity
o Dependence on vehicles, desk jobs, no exercise.
o Risks → Weak immunity, obesity, cardiovascular diseases.
5. Substance Abuse
o Smoking, alcohol, or drugs for stress relief or peer pressure.
o Risks → Cancer, Liver disease, Respiratory illness.
6. Poor Work-Life Balance
o Less time for family, hobbies, or relaxation.
o Risks → Mental burnout, relationship issues, reduced wellbeing.