Nutrition
The problem of poor nutrition amongst women in their 20s
As obesity arising from Westernization of the Japanese diet becomes increasingly common, so does another health issue: that of undernourishment amongst young women. According to a study by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, at least 1 in 5 women in their 20's report a BMI of lower than 18.5, which is considered "too thin."*1
- *12013 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Women in Their 20's "Too Thin," 21.5% Have a BMI of under 18.5
One reason for this is insufficient energy intake. Women in their 20's also have other nutritional deficiencies, such as an average daily intake of only 220.8g of vegetables (the "Healthy Japan 21" daily target is 350g), 6.2mg of iron (6-10.5mg recommended), 405mg of calcium (650mg recommended), and 11.5g of fiber (18g or more recommended).*2*3
- *2Intake amounts: 2013 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (values for women 20-29)
- *3Target/recommended values (except for vegetables): Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese, 2015 Edition (values for women 18-29) (values for iron differ depending on whether or not the woman is menstruating)
