Excessive intake of dietary fat contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity and is associated with some concerns. A poor appetite may be developmentally appropriate for young children, but in older children, it may indicate depression or other emotional stress or chronic disease. Excessive consumption of convenience food and foods from fast-food restaurants is associated with high fat, calorie, and sodium intake, as well as low intake of certain vitamins and minerals. Meal skipping is associated with a low intake of energy and essential nutrients and, if it's a regular practice, could compromise growth and sexual development. Repeatedly skipping meals decreases the nutritional adequacy of the diet.
Poverty can result in hunger and compromised food quality and nutrition status.
Inadequate dietary intake interferes with learning. Frequent dieting in combination with purging is associated with health-compromising behaviors. Purging is associated with serious medical complications. Eighty-five percent of all cases of eating disorders begin during adolescence. The earlier adolescents are treated, the better their long-term prognosis.