HC Deb 01 December 1999 vol 340 cc252-3W
Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the health problems caused by malnourishment. [100711]

Ms Stuart

Malnourishment includes undernourishment and obesity. Both of these are associated with ill health and mortality. Undernourishment can delay recovery from illness and increases susceptibility to osteoporosis and infection, whilst obesity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gall bladder disease, some cancers and arthritis.