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1. The Impact of Picky
Eating
Many parents become frustrated with their child’s eating
habits but may not realize that the physical and mental
health risks of picky eating are the biggest concerns at
hand. Picky eaters often consume diets that are low in
fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
This can lead to malnutrition, which can impact growth
development in children and weaken their immune
systems. Young kids are at an even greater risk of
developing health problems in the future if their picky
eating continues into adolescence and adulthood.
In adults, a lack of proper nutrition through picky eating
habits has been linked to an increased risk for obesity,
high cholesterol levels, and certain chronic diseases such
as diabetes or heart disease. On the mental side of things,
people who experience extreme cases of picky eating may
be at risk for developing anxiety disorders around food or
other phobias related to mealtimes.
When it comes to the societal impacts of picky eating, it’s
important to consider how this behavior affects family
relationships along with social activities outside the home.
Mealtime can become a source of frustration for those
living with a picky eater, especially if they must continually
adjust meals or prepare separate dishes just so everyone
is able to eat something nutritious. Similarly, events such
as birthday parties or school outings may be difficult if
there aren’t enough foods offered that fit within the
limited diet preferences allowed by the child’s pickiness.