causes of IDD IDD is due to inndcquot e intake of iodine-rich foods such as seafoods, seaweeds and jocfu,ed ~alt. incre:isccl l'l'(Jllirement-s during periods of rapid growth (adolescence, pregmmcy :md lactation). nnd consumption of J)laots grown in iodine depleted soil and waler. Consump tion of foods containi11g goilrogens like cassava. cabbage and lima be:ins mny interfere,dth the metabolism of iodine by the body. Const-quen ce. ~ ofl DD lodinc defiriency l111i; serious consequences. The most commonly recogni1,ed con~uence is goiter or enlargement of the thy Toicl gland. This can affect man al n U s1age;; of life. Crt'tini$m results when there is iodine deficiency during fetal life: ncurologic-;il crl'tinism (dc-fidl'cnl'y in early prci:n11ncy) nnd h~1,ot. hyroid cretinism (drfirienry in lnlt'r pn·gn. i111. :~·). Mnnifl·:-tation:-of endemic crct ini~m a re cle;1f-rnutism, squint. ntt'ntal ret:ird~tion.,;rowth rvtnrdatic,n. Children i;ufforing from I DD ha\·e poor school p('rforn1ru1<. 'c dm· to low [Qin childr<'n antl oflen drop out or sehool while adults would not able to perfnm1 we_ll :11~0 at \\'Ork,md other tasks. Among pri:-gnant women with l DD, the conseque11ces include nbortions, still births, and miscarriages. Diagnosis of IDD Iodine deficiency di~orders can be diagnosed through clinical mctliods by e:mmining the thtmid gland and identifying cretins in the eornmuni ty. 13iochemjcal methods include dt>termin:i tion of urin:1~· iodfoc excretion nmong school age children, serum len:li-of 111~-roid hormones. T3 and T4 nod thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Iodiu P len?I of drinking may also be detcm1inecl. Prevention and Control The implementation nf the Salt lodizntion L. 1w in the Phi Hppines cnn be regarded as imtnunental to the-dmmatic effect sct:n in reducing the proportion of schoolchildren \\ith deficient ll',·el;; of 11rinn1:· iodine e.-:cretion. Also consumption of iodine-rich foodsl'bould be contirn11>11:<l_1·c11eourni;ed nnd in nreas where IDD is endemic, ghingof iodized oil should continue as pnrt of the nutrition progr:1m. 5. Overweight and obesity It hmi no"· been recognized that oven,·eight and obesity are emerging problems that need to be addressed. lt has been observed that over the years, the prevalence of o,·erwright i~ constantly incxcnsing (FNRJ, 2007) :md is seen in all ages, thus efforts to prevent further increases are in order. 0\'1!1wdght nnd <1be. sity result from nn imbala11c e in energy intake·and energy output (Seidell :ind Vi~scher. :. ioo4). Tl\is is due to chronic excess energy intake and reduced physical arti,;t) (decreni-ed ener~· expenditure). Obesity is now well-recognized to be a risk factor of rar<litl\'ascul:1r disenses, hrpertension, type 2 di11betes mellitus. It has also bi!i!n assoc-i. ated "ith cert·ain types of cancer, nnd conditions like osteoarthrit is, and respiratory disorders. Pn·vention nncl control of overweight aud obesity, should include modificntion of lifestyle habits, promotion of healthy eating lmbits and regular physical activity. SUMMARY Nutrition pla}'S nn important role in nchle Ying overall health of an individual. A person cannot achieve healt J1 and well-being at the highest level unless U1at person is or good nutritiona l status. Therefore, henllh workers, whetl1er in the community 344 