“Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.” WHO.int
Key Facts About Malnutrition from the WHO (World Health Organization):
- Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
- 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight.
- Globally in 2020, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted (too short for age), 45 million were estimated to be wasted (too thin for height), and 38.9 million were overweight or obese.
- Around 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. These mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, in these same countries, rates of childhood overweight and obesity are rising.
- The developmental, economic, social, and medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are serious and lasting, for individuals and their families, for communities and for countries.
Malnutrition is a term that addresses three broad condition groups:
1. Undernutrition – includes wasting (low weight-for-height), underweight (low weight-for-age), and stunting (low height-for-age)
2. Micronutrient-related malnutrition – includes micronutrient excess and micronutrient deficiencies (lacking important minerals and vitamins)
3. Obesity, overweight and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (includes stroke, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer)
Are you at risk?
All countries are affected by malnutrition in one or more forms. Fighting malnutrition in all forms is one of the largest global health challenges. “Women, infants, children, and adolescents are at particular risk of malnutrition. Optimizing nutrition early in life—including the 1000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday—ensures the best possible start in life, with long-term benefits.” WHO.int
Are you or someone you know an older individual who may not be able to ingest food orally? Providing essential nutrients to a patient is vital to avoid malnutrition, while supplying the necessary vitamins and minerals to aid in recovery. Create a specifically designed feeding formula to meet 100% of nutrient needs with Med Supply. Please consult with a doctor or dietician before deciding which formula you or your loved one should be on. Read more about Nutrition here.