The Dutch policy on nutrition security
Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries
Guest lectures
Week 1 – Maternal and child undernutrition; causes and consequences
Learning goals: - Mention the major causes and consequences of malnutrition in a
developing context during vulnerable phases in the life cycle;
- Describe the double burden of malnutrition and related disease profiles.
Guest 1.1 - Nutrition in the life cycle: adolescents
1. Introduction
Adolescence is from 10-19 years of age. There are a lot of biological, physiological and
social changes. For example the rapid growth: 15-25% adult height and 40-50% adult
weight are acquired.
2. Puberal onset
Hormones cause the onset of puberty, like testosterone, and oestrogen and
progesterone. Puberal timing varies 4-5years between individuals. This is due to genetic
and environmental factors.
High-income countries (HIC): earlier menarche shorter adult height.
Low and middle-income countries (LMIC): later menarche higher adult height.
Undernutrition delays the pubertal onset.
3. Adolescence & health
Effects of adolescence development on health
Metabolic changes Improvements
Diabetes I Attention deficit and hyperactivity
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diabetes II Conduct disorders
Idiopathic juvenile arthritis Allergies
Mental disorders (%) Asthmas
Insight about the condition Epilepsy
Chronic constipation
There are biological (pubertal timing, growth) and family and peers (reduced
expectations, independence, self-esteem, social isolation) effects of development of
chronic diseases on adolescent life. Obesity for example. Men with obesity have a later
onset of puberty; girls have an earlier onset of puberty.
4. Social determinants of health
Economic situation: Economic inequalities poorer health outcomes, like injuries,
mental health, suicide, and teenage pregnancy.
Gender inequality: The gender inequality index uses reproductive health,
empowerment, and labour & market participation.
Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries
Guest lectures
Week 1 – Maternal and child undernutrition; causes and consequences
Learning goals: - Mention the major causes and consequences of malnutrition in a
developing context during vulnerable phases in the life cycle;
- Describe the double burden of malnutrition and related disease profiles.
Guest 1.1 - Nutrition in the life cycle: adolescents
1. Introduction
Adolescence is from 10-19 years of age. There are a lot of biological, physiological and
social changes. For example the rapid growth: 15-25% adult height and 40-50% adult
weight are acquired.
2. Puberal onset
Hormones cause the onset of puberty, like testosterone, and oestrogen and
progesterone. Puberal timing varies 4-5years between individuals. This is due to genetic
and environmental factors.
High-income countries (HIC): earlier menarche shorter adult height.
Low and middle-income countries (LMIC): later menarche higher adult height.
Undernutrition delays the pubertal onset.
3. Adolescence & health
Effects of adolescence development on health
Metabolic changes Improvements
Diabetes I Attention deficit and hyperactivity
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diabetes II Conduct disorders
Idiopathic juvenile arthritis Allergies
Mental disorders (%) Asthmas
Insight about the condition Epilepsy
Chronic constipation
There are biological (pubertal timing, growth) and family and peers (reduced
expectations, independence, self-esteem, social isolation) effects of development of
chronic diseases on adolescent life. Obesity for example. Men with obesity have a later
onset of puberty; girls have an earlier onset of puberty.
4. Social determinants of health
Economic situation: Economic inequalities poorer health outcomes, like injuries,
mental health, suicide, and teenage pregnancy.
Gender inequality: The gender inequality index uses reproductive health,
empowerment, and labour & market participation.
