Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In 2015, 795 million people (about one in ten people on earth) had undernutrition. [ 9 ] [ 43 ] It is estimated that between 691 and 783 million people in the world faced hunger in 2022. [ 44 ] According to UNICEF, 2.4 billion people were moderately or severely food insecure in 2022, 391 million more than in 2019.
UNICEF defines undernutrition "as the outcome of insufficient food intake (hunger) and repeated infectious diseases. Undernutrition includes being underweight for one's age, too short for one's age (stunted growth), dangerously thin (muscle wasting), and deficient in vitamins and minerals (micronutrient malnutrition). [2]
Undernutrition is sometimes used synonymously with malnutrition, however, malnutrition could mean both undernutrition or overnutrition (causing childhood obesity). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that malnutrition accounts for 54 percent of child mortality worldwide, [ 5 ] which is about 1 million children. [ 2 ]
Older people may feel less violent stomach contractions when they get hungry, but still suffer the secondary effects resulting from low food intake: these include weakness, irritability and decreased concentration. Prolonged lack of adequate nutrition also causes increased susceptibility to disease and reduced ability for the body to heal. [7] [8]
Nutrient deficiencies, known as malnutrition, occur when an organism does not have the nutrients that it needs. This may be caused by suddenly losing nutrients or the inability to absorb proper nutrients. Not only is malnutrition the result of a lack of necessary nutrients, [19] but it can also be a result of other illnesses and health ...
Undernutrition is not to be confused with malnutrition, which refers to poor proportion of food intake and can thus refer to obesity.) [70] Undernutrition impairs the immune system, increasing the frequency, severity, and duration of infections (including measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea). Infection can further contribute to malnutrition. [71]
The low-cost food that is generally affordable to the poor in affluent nations is low in nutritional value and high in fats, sugars and additives. In rich countries, therefore, obesity is often a sign of poverty and malnutrition while in poorer countries obesity is more associated with wealth and good nutrition.
Adequate sanitation and hygiene (rather than just access to food) play a critical role in preventing undernutrition, malnutrition and stunting [189] [190] [191] [188] and ensuring normal early childhood development. [192] Malnutrition has been indicated as a negative influence on childhood intelligence quotient (IQ).