How studying a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition helps you help others

The importance of a food and nutrition degree in the face of rising non-communicable diseases

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 74% of all deaths globally, killing 41 million people each year. In Australia, the top five leading causes of death between 2017 and 2021 were all non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

With NCDs on the rise, it’s more important than ever to invest in prevention and education. Our Bachelor of Food and Nutrition can help equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices and help prevent the development of NCDs.

Non-communicable diseases are on the rise

In recent years, the prevalence of NCDs has risen dramatically. Non-communicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are typically characterised by their long duration and slow progression.

They are often caused by a combination of genetic, physiological and lifestyle factors. The four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (i.e. heart attack and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

In 2012, NCDs only accounted for 67% (38 million) of all deaths worldwide. The percentage has since increased to 74%, so three out of four deaths globally are caused by an NCD. What’s more, these diseases are no longer confined to high-income countries; they are now prevalent in low- and middle-income countries as well. In fact, approximately 76% of all NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

There are many reasons why the prevalence of NCDs is on the rise. One major reason is urbanisation. As people move from rural areas into cities, they tend to adopt desk-bound lifestyles and unhealthy diets (i.e. high in processed foods and salt). This combination can lead to obesity, increased blood glucose levels, raised blood pressure and elevated blood lipids which are major risk factors for many chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, as populations age, they become more susceptible to chronic diseases. That being said, 41% of all NCD-related deaths occur before the age of 70, so they affect all age groups in all parts of the world. Finally, tobacco use – another key risk factor for NCDs – is on the rise in many parts of the world and accounts for over eight million deaths per year.

The WHO has predicted that NCDs will affect even more people in the years to come unless urgent action is taken. That’s why it’s essential for countries to invest in prevention and control measures – such as early detection and treatment programs – as well as health promotion initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and discourage risky behaviours like smoking.

There are many ways to prevent and control NCDs, but one of the most significant – though often forgotten – is through nutrition.

The importance of a Food and Nutrition degree to combat NCDs

With the rising prevalence of NCDs around the world, the importance of a Food and Nutrition degree has never been greater. Nutritionists and dietitians play a key role in developing and implementing programs and policies that can help combat the rise of NCDs. They also work with individuals to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyles. By educating people about the importance of good nutrition, you can help prevent NCDs from occurring in the first place – or at least delay their onset.

Your degree will train you to assess an individual’s nutritional needs and develop tailored diet plans that can help prevent or manage NCDs.  

You will also develop a deep understanding of the link between diet and health, and how different nutrients can impact our health. This knowledge is essential in developing public health messages and education initiatives that can help people make healthier choices.

In addition, food and nutrition graduates are often well-connected with other professionals in the field, such as dietitians, physicians and public health experts. This network can be invaluable in developing collaborative efforts to address NCDs. For example, dietitians may work with physicians to develop obesity management programs for patients at risk for diabetes or heart disease. Or, public health experts may partner with food and nutrition graduates to create educational campaigns about the importance of healthy eating habits.

The bottom line is that a food and nutrition degree is a crucial tool in combating the rising tide of NCDs around the world and in Australia. By arming you with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote healthy eating habits, we can make a real impact in reducing the burden of these diseases.

Helps you to help others: Our Bachelor of Food and Nutrition

There is no doubt that non-communicable diseases are one of the major challenges of our time – they are on the rise and show no sign of slowing down. With cardiovascular diseases and diabetes being two of the most prevalent NCDs, education and prevention are vital to combat this epidemic.

So, if you’re interested in a career that can make a real difference in the fight against NCDs, consider studying our Bachelor of Food and Nutrition with Federation University Online. With your help, we can create a healthier world for future generations. Get in touch with our friendly Course Consultants to chat about your options, or apply online today.