Malnutrition refers to the condition that arises from eating a diet in which certain nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that it causes health problems. It is not limited to insufficient intake but also includes overnutrition, where the intake of nutrients is excessively high. The primary cause of malnutrition could be a lack of sufficient proteins, calories, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. In more severe cases, malnutrition manifests in two distinct forms: undernutrition, which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age); and micronutrient-related malnutrition, which includes a deficiency or excess of essential vitamins and minerals.
Globally, malnutrition is a leading risk factor for illness and death, affecting billions of individuals, with children and the elderly being particularly vulnerable. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, approximately 149 million children under five were stunted, and 45 million were suffering from wasting. These conditions are primarily due to insufficient access to a balanced variety of foods, poor maternal health and nutrition, and inadequate infant feeding practices. Malnutrition also exacerbates the severity of common infections, delays recovery, and can lead to chronic disease and disability. In contrast, overnutrition can lead to obesity and related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Efforts to combat malnutrition involve complex interventions that address both the dietary and non-dietary causes including economic, social, and health factors. Improving food security, enhancing the quality and availability of dietary intake, and scaling up effective healthcare responses are crucial. Various international bodies and non-governmental organizations work towards eradicating malnutrition through programs focused on enhancing food quality, improving agricultural practices, and educating communities about balanced diets. Fortification of foods, promotion of breastfeeding, and development of supplemental nutrition programs are other strategies used to tackle malnutrition.
Addressing malnutrition effectively also requires a focus on sustainable agricultural practices that ensure a steady supply of diverse and nutritious foods. Climate change and environmental degradation seriously threaten food security in many parts of the world, making it harder to grow crops and raising the prices of staple foods, which puts balanced diets out of reach for many populations. Education plays a pivotal role in combating malnutrition; understanding nutritional needs and the importance of a diverse diet can help individuals make informed decisions about their eating habits. In conclusion, tackling malnutrition requires a multifaceted approach that includes economic development, social change, and innovative health policies, all of which are essential to achieving global nutrition targets and improving public health outcomes.