Intake of unhealthy and nutritious diet could result in serious health complications. A recent study conducted by the University of Otago's department of public health in Wellington has found that people of New Zealand who cannot afford nutritious and healthy food, suffer from more health problems as compared to others.
Lack of safe, nutritious and healthy food has also caused mental health problems among the New Zealanders. The study conducted a survey of the families, education income and employment of 19,000 adults during 2004-2005. The socio-economic and health data from Statistics New Zealand was also evaluated. People who used food banks or grants were classified as food insecure people by the researchers.
The study found that lack of healthy diet, fresh fruits and vegetables and consumption of cheaper food has caused psychological distress among the people. Women were reported to have higher levels of distress as compared to men. Food insecure women were 110% likely to suffer from distress as compared to 60% of the food insecure men. Psychological distress was also reported among young people.