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Nutrition

Nutrition

Definition

This field of study focuses on foods and substances in foods that help animals (and plants) to grow and stay healthy. Nutrition science also includes behaviors and social factors related to food choices. The foods we eat provide energy (calories) and nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, and water. Eating healthy foods in the right amounts gives your body energy to perform daily activities, helps you to maintain a healthy body weight, and can lower your risk for certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Source: Medline Plus Definitions of Health Terms: Nutrition

 

Image of root vegetables.

Statistics

According to the CDC:

  • 35% of Michiganders aged 18 and older are obese (data from 2020).
  • 40% of Michigan adults consume fruit less than one time daily (data from 2019).
  • 21% of Michigan adults consume vegetables less than one time daily (data from 2019).
  • 45% of Michigan adolescents (grades 9-12) consume fruit less than one time daily (data from 2019).
  • 45% of Michigan adolescents (grades 9-12) consume vegetables less than one time daily (data from 2019).
  • There are 3.4 farmers markets per 100,000 residents (data from 2017).

This content is adapted from the CDC's, "Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity: Data, Trends and Maps."