Consequences of a Bad Diet in Children

Diet is one of the most important factors in children's health. As parents, we're responsible for providing kids with the nutrients they need and building healthy eating habits.

Reviewed and approved by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Written by Saúl Sánchez Arias

Last update: 17 February, 2023

The consequences of a bad diet in children include serious illnesses with permanent and devastating results.

A balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle and reduces the risk of many conditions later in life.

Prevention not cure: avoiding the consequences of a bad diet in children

The consensus among doctors is that prevention is better than cure. Eating a balanced diet covering all food groups during childhood can provide lifelong protection against certain conditions.

Meanwhile, bad habits picked up from parents during early infancy can stay with us throughout our lives.

If children refuse to eat fruit, vegetables or fish, parents should look for other ways to get these nutrients into their diet.

Following a healthy, balanced and varied diet during our early years of life shapes our metabolism as adults.

Slow development, poor concentration and fatigue are just some of the consequences of a bad diet in children. For example, children who aren’t getting the right nutrients often have more trouble reading or studying.

Malnourished children often have issues with their skin and hair. Vision problems and delayed mental and physical development are frequent consequences of nutrient deficits, along with frequent bouts of illness.

Weight gain and weight loss

Whether children eat too much or too little, malnutrition has serious consequences throughout the body.

One of the consequences is dramatic weight gain or weight loss. Other effects often seen later in life include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, kidney disease and heart disease.

High cholesterol and certain types of cancer are also more likely to appear in individuals with a bad diet.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a nutritional deficit that can lead to anemia. The effects on children’s intellectual development are irreversible. It limits the capacity for analysis and understanding and stunts intelligence.

Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness or myasthenia is another one of the consequences of a bad diet in children. Children with this condition may be lethargic and pale, stop growing early and cry frequently.

Low physical performance and poor grades at school are other risks. Babies with low muscle tone are usually late to begin walking.

Childhood obesity

Rapid weight gain in children makes it more difficult for kids to move and play. It can also trigger hormonal disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, bone disorders, respiratory complications and liver disease.

A lack of parental supervision over what children eat is one of the causes of a bad diet in children.

When kids indulge in packaged, preprepared meals, processed meat, fatty fast food, soda, sweets and fried treats, the consequences are quick to appear.

An excess of carbohydrates, protein or fat in a child’s diet can also cause problems for their health. Finding the right balance is crucial.

Protein: excess or deficiency

Protein is indispensable for the growth of muscle fibers. However, in excess, protein can overload the kidneys and liver, which are responsible for eliminating toxins from the body.

Excess calcium can build up when the body is having difficulty eliminating waste. This leads to painful kidney stones. Too much calcium can also reduce the intake of other minerals from our diet.

Meanwhile, a lack of protein can cause other problems, such as exhaustion, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness and lethargy.

Carbohydrates: too much or too little

During childhood, an excessive intake of carbohydrates can cause diabetes and heart disease in addition to obesity. Too much sugar also causes cavities, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and hyperactivity.

At the other extreme, children who don’t get enough carbohydrates may feel tired and lethargic. Carbs are fuel for our bodies: the right amount gives us the energy we need.

Dietary fat: the right amount and type

A diet with excess fat can lead to weight gain. A lack of essential fats, however, can cause deficits of vitamin A, D, E and K, irritability, lack of concentration and lethargy.

Vitamin deficiencies also lead to thyroid problems, fatigue, anemia, scurvy and rickets. Parents should pay attention to symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, headaches, mood disorders and a reduction in mental capacity.

The consequences of a bad diet in children can be permanent. A varied and balanced diet early on is key to a long and healthy life.

Although getting children to eat nutrient-rich foods from different groups can be a struggle, it’s indispensable to their future development.