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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 ]
Studies on malnutrition have the population categorised into different groups including infants, under-five children, children, adolescents, pregnant women, adults and the elderly population. The use of different growth references in different studies leads to variances in the undernutrition prevalence reported in different studies.
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]
Malnutrition in children is covered by multiple articles: Undernutrition in children; Childhood obesity This page was last edited on 29 ...
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.
The prevalence of malnutrition and related health conditions among children in Africa leads to a plethora of diseases that impact the child and their development. Given that vitamin A is critical for proper functioning of the visual system and for maintaining immune defences, its deficiency remains a public health issue.
In the field of clinical nutrition, malnutrition has causes, epidemiology and management distinct from those associated with malnutrition that is mainly related to poverty. The main causes of clinical malnutrition are: Cachexia caused by diseases, injuries and/or aging; Difficulties with ingestion, such as stroke, paresis, dementia, depression ...
Another factor that contributes to malnutrition is conflict. [33] Conflict can lead to uncertainty in resources, which puts them at a higher risk of malnutrition. [33] In addition, the areas in Africa with the highest rates of malnutrition also experience poverty which impact and limit the supply of food and necessary services. [33]