Tag: Child wasting

According to UNICEF estimates from 2024, nearly 20 million children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with the highest concentrations found in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This severe form of undernutrition, known as marasmus, results from a devastating lack of total caloric intake, leading to extreme wasting of fat and muscle. The geographical distribution of marasmus is heavily influenced by factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and sanitation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition encompasses undernutrition (including wasting, stunting, and underweight) as well as overnutrition. The term **wasting in nutrition** specifically refers to a person who is too thin for their height, often a result of recent and severe weight loss or a failure to gain weight. It is a life-threatening condition that compromises the immune system and increases the risk of death, especially in children.

According to the World Health Organization, around 45 million children under five years old were affected by wasting in 2022, a devastating form of acute malnutrition. Early identification is crucial, and knowing the key indicators of wasting can lead to timely intervention and improved health outcomes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition manifests in four broad forms, with wasting being defined as low weight-for-height, indicating recent and severe weight loss. Understanding **what does wasting mean in health?** is crucial, as it affects millions globally, particularly children, and can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects millions of children under five years old, a condition successfully treated with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). So, what is the RUTF diet, and how does this nutrient-dense paste work to restore health and save lives in a matter of weeks?