The digestive system in humans – WJECEating to excess

We should eat a balanced diet suitable for our age and lifestyle. Overeating can lead to obesity. Nutrients have to be digested before we can absorb and use them.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Cells, organ systems and ecosystems

Eating to excess

It is important to know the energy requirements of your body with respect to your gender, age and level of activity. Excess energy consumed in food can be stored as fat which could result in obesity. This could lead to a number of related health problems.

The different components in food cause different problems if eaten in excess.

Excess sugarExcess fatExcess salt (sodium)
ObesityObesityHigh blood pressure
Type 2 diabetesHeart disease
Tooth decayCirculatory disease
Excess sugarObesity
Excess fatObesity
Excess salt (sodium)High blood pressure
Excess sugarType 2 diabetes
Excess fatHeart disease
Excess salt (sodium)
Excess sugarTooth decay
Excess fatCirculatory disease
Excess salt (sodium)
Diagram of a heart with the left and right coronary arteries labelled. A zoomed section shows plaque building up on the walls of the left coronary artery.