Malnutrition: A Global Health Crisis
Malnutrition is characterized by deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's nutrient and/or energy consumption. The causes of malnutrition might include societal, economic, and medical issues. Malnutrition is a worldwide problem.
It is incomprehensible that this is happening in the 21st century, a time of unmatched advancements in food science.
Although malnutrition is a complicated problem, it is the leading global cause of death and disease.
According to a report published by World Health Organization (WHO) in the year 2019, numerous types of malnutrition affect millions of individuals. In actuality, 462 million adults are underweight and 1.9 billion are overweight or obese. 52 million children under the age of five have wasting, which is characterized by a low weight-to-height ratio.
"In India, triple burden coexist which includes over nutrition, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. The former two issues are being addressed but the micronutrient deficiencies are still unobtrusive and emerging as 'hidden hunger' which needs immediate attention", said Akansha Bhatnagar, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Wellness, AAFT University, Noida
Various forms of malnutrition
Malnutrition covers two main disease subcategories.
Undernutrition: encompasses micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies as well as stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age) (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).
Overweight and obesity: noncommunicable diseases linked to diets such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
According to WHO, 462 million adults are underweight, compared to 1.9 billion who are overweight or obese.
It was predicted that in 2020 there would be 149 million stunted (too short for their age), 45 million wasted (too short for their height), and 38.9 million overweight or obese children under the age of five.
Who is in jeopardy?
Every nation on the planet experiences malnutrition in one way or another. One of the biggest problems in world health is the fight against malnutrition in all of its forms. Nutritional status and body weight are two indicators of malnutrition.
Any country's future lies with its children. Malnourished children are not only a concern for today's society, but also for generations to come. But around one-third of the world's children are underweight.
Women, newborns, kids, and teenagers are especially vulnerable to malnutrition
Malnutrition is more likely to occur in older persons, those who are poor, and those who have digestive issues or an increased requirement for nutrients.
Most people think that financial poverty, or a lack of money, is the main cause of childhood malnutrition. However, the majority of studies on the subject state that socioeconomic factors are the primary contributor to childhood malnutrition globally.
Malnutrition scenario in India
Over the years, several government programs have been introduced to try to enhance the nation's nutritional status.
These include, among others, the National Food Security Mission, the Mid-Day Meal Program, the Janani Suraksha Yojana, the Matritva Sahyog Yojana, and the Integrated Child Development Services.
However, despite advancements over time, concerns about hunger have endured.
As a participant in the Sustainable Development Goals, India has pledged to help end hunger by 2030. The Global Hunger Index (2020) places India 94th out of 107 nations based on current trends.
In addition, the Global Nutrition Report (2020) predicts that India would likely miss the world's nutrition goals by 2025, which seems to be consistent with the results from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5's first phase.
What is being done by the WHO to address malnutrition?
All people achieve health and well-being in a world free of all forms of malnutrition, according to WHO. The 2016–2025 nutrition plan states that WHO collaborates with Member States and partners to achieve universal access to nutritious diets from resilient and sustainable food systems as well as to effective nutrition interventions.
The bottom line, malnutrition is a multidimensional problem, so campaigns should focus on health systems, food systems, and nutrition finance.