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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 ]
Identification of the social conditions that causes malnutrition in children under five has received significant research attention as it is a major public health problem. [ citation needed ] Undernutrition most commonly results from a lack of access to high-quality, nutritious food. [ 5 ]
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For example, in the United States of America, one out of every six children is at risk of hunger. [citation needed] A study, based on 2005–2007 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Agriculture Department, shows that an estimated 3.5 million children under the age of five are at risk of hunger in the United States. [28]
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.
In addition to academic and behavioral problems, children with inadequate diets are more prone to illnesses. Researchers have found that malnutrition leads to an array of health problems that can become chronic. [9] Underfed children may have "extreme weight loss, stunted growth, weakened resistance to infection", and even early death.
In India 44% of children under the age of 5 are underweight. 72% of infants and 52% of married women have anemia. Research has conclusively shown that malnutrition during pregnancy causes the child to have an increased risk of future diseases, physical retardation, and reduced cognitive abilities. [11] [12]
Protein–energy undernutrition affects children the most because they have less protein intake. [further explanation needed] The few rare cases found in the developed world are almost entirely found in small children as a result of fad diets, or ignorance of the nutritional needs of children, particularly in cases of milk allergy. [6]