Malnutrition, what is it?

Although often ignored, certain nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body. A lack or excess of these nutrients can lead to serious health and body problems . In this article, we want to address an essential subject: malnutrition. 

What is malnutrition?

It is a pathological condition that results in the lack or excess of several essential nutrients for proper development.

Many factors are responsible for a  poor diet  : inadequate energy intake, a deficiency or excess in vitamins or fat, pathological or psychological disorders.

Alongside this, we speak of  undernutrition  when the energy intake is insufficient in relation to the expenses incurred to make the body function properly. Its origin is multiple and can vary according to the general state of the organism, the social climate and the psychiatric aspect of the subject.

Not to mention emaciation ,  which consists of extreme thinness,  stunted growth  when the weight and height of children are below the norm, or even thinness in the event of underweight .

Malnutrition around the world

We often talk about developing countries for which the main factor is a power supply that is far too weak . However, countries around the world may face different forms of dietary imbalances . We will then speak of obesity or serious deficiencies in mineral salts or vitamins.

This scourge no longer spares anyone. One in three people would be affected . Both in children and in adults. According to the results of a study conducted by the health authorities, out of 140 countries assessed, at least one health problem is observed. 88% encounter two or even three brief problems. This is why the United Nations is working hard to try to eradicate poverty by 2030.

  • 1.9 billion adults are overweight, ie 32% of men and 40% of women.
  • 2 billion people are victims of a deficiency in iron, vitamin A, iodine, etc.
  • 23% of children in the world’s population suffer from stunted growth and 52 million from extreme thinness.

What are the causes of such an imbalance?

This dietary imbalance occurs when an individual does not receive the nutrients they need. This may be due to:

  • a lack of food
  • loss of appetite due to illness (cancer)
  • a lack of nutritional knowledge
  • elderly people living alone
  • people suffering from alcoholism, anorexia, digestive diseases, etc.

What actions are being taken to combat this scourge?

To meet the basic needs of all and so that everyone can have enough to eat , the NGO, the UN and other non-profit organizations are joining forces to fight against this global disaster .

Public health action plans have been put in place. They make it possible to explain to populations the importance of a balanced diet adapted to their physical expenditure. The challenge of a rich and varied diet in order to limit the risk of overweight: fruits, vegetables, starchy foods, fish, neither too sweet nor too salty, etc.

These simple, everyday changes tend to significantly reduce weight gain. Indeed, they act on the quality of sleep , strengthen the heart, preserve the bones, reduce the risk of cancer, limit stress, depression, etc.

Many systems and websites are available to the public to help you in this process: the National Health Nutrition Program, the Obesity Plan, Mangerbouger.fr.

Stephen
Website |  + posts

Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.