How Bad is Malnutrition and its Reasons
Malnutrition is a condition in which children and adults suffer from a lack of nutrients due to improper diet. These are mostly the result of poverty or lack of knowledge about the right food one should consume. Whatever the reason is, malnutrition can be dangerous and can lead to several health problems. It has a great impact on child growth be it physically or mentally. It can form different diseases in the human body. The effects of malnutrition are several health problems such as retardation of physical and mental growth, eye problems, skin diseases, etc.
People who suffer from undernutrition get so many health problems that it leads to developing severe diseases in the body. The effects of malnutrition are:
- Weight loss
- Kwashiorkor and marasmus
- Fatigue
- Loss of body fats
- Loss of body mass
- Dryness of skin and hair
- Difficult in concentrating
- Wounds and cuts take time to heal
- Swell stomach
- Depression
The absence or lack of vitamins in the body can lead to several diseases such as night blindness, beriberi, hair loss, dry skin, poor circulation of blood, etc.
Reasons of Malnutrition
Again people who suffer from over nutrition are overweight and obese. Obese people are most likely to have diabetes in later life and also suffer from heart diseases.
Poverty
Poverty is the major cause of not having adequate food. Poor people cannot afford protein, vitamins and minerals rich food. Lack or inadequacy of food leads to malnutrition in adults and children.
Improper Diet
In some cases, the improper diet of humans may lead to malnutrition for a few nutrients. These can include eating unhealthy fast food, lack of knowledge of calorie requirements as per the age, height and weight of the person, lack of knowledge about food and their calorie count, etc.
Poor Digestion
Nutrients need to be completely absorbed in the body. If a person has digestive disorders then it will lead to malnutrition. Since the digestive system plays a significant role in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, poor digestion will be a big cause of malnutrition.
Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety, stress and depression increase the risk of malnutrition. Studies have shown that 4-5% of malnutrition is higher in people who are suffering from stress and depression.
Smoking and Consumption of Alcohol
Smoking leads to loss of appetite and consumption of alcohol leads to poor intake of nutrients. Consumption of alcohol on a regular basis will increase deficiencies in the body.
Thus, adequate nutrition in the body helps in the proper functioning of different organs in the body.