Understanding Different Types of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a term that encompasses deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients.

Malnutrition is generally divided into two main categories:

1. Undernutrition – This includes conditions like stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies (lack of essential minerals).
2. Others – This category includes overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

The World Health Organisation publishes the Global Nutrition Report annually, providing an assessment of global nutrition. Candidates can learn more about this report by visiting the linked article.

Negative Impacts of Malnutrition

1. It hampers the productivity of the population.
2. It increases the country's mortality rates.
3. It reduces the survival rate of children.
4. It affects the learning capability of children, making them unproductive later in life.

Causes of Malnutrition

Many families in India struggle with access to or cannot afford the following:

1. Fresh fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Legumes
4. Meat
5. Milk

The rapid increase in obesity in adults and children can be attributed to the easy availability of cheap foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt. Overweight problems are prevalent in both poor and rich countries.

Key Facts about Malnutrition in India

1. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), 14.5% of India's population is undernourished.
2. India ranks at a low 102nd position out of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2019 report.
3. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report suggests that malnutrition in children is a major factor behind the death of children below 5 years of age in India.
4. As per a UNICEF report, 38% of children under 5 years of age in India are stunted.
5. Approximately 40% of children from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes are stunted.
6. According to a UNICEF report, India ranks 10th among countries with the highest number of underweight children.
7. The same UNICEF report places India at the 17th spot for the highest number of stunted children.
8. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh are the states with the highest percentages of underweight childbirths in India.

Government of India's Initiatives to Combat Malnutrition

The Government of India has introduced several schemes to address the high rate of malnutrition in the country.

Below are the details of the Government of India's schemes to address malnutrition:

When is World Food Day observed?

World Food Day is observed on October 16.

Malnutrition – UPSC Notes:-

The above information will help candidates prepare for UPSC 2022 .

Relevant Links