Tag: Marasmus vs kwashiorkor

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) affects millions globally, and while commonly associated with childhood, adults are not immune to its severe forms, marasmus and kwashiorkor. These conditions can arise from chronic illness, malabsorption disorders, or severe dietary restrictions, leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Approximately 3 million children under the age of five die each year from severe malnutrition, a category that includes marasmus. This life-threatening condition is caused by a devastating deficiency in overall energy, protein, and fat.

Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition that leads to profound physical changes, with affected individuals often appearing severely emaciated. Understanding what is the physical appearance of marasmus is crucial for early detection and intervention.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 45% of deaths in children under five in developing countries are linked to undernutrition. This underscores the critical importance of understanding severe forms of malnutrition like marasmus and kwashiorkor, which result from significant nutritional deficiencies.

According to the World Health Organization, severe malnutrition remains a major cause of child mortality globally. Differentiating between marasmus and kwashiorkor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as these conditions, though both forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), present with distinct clinical features.

According to UNICEF, nearly two million severely malnourished children were at risk of death globally in 2024 due to funding shortages for therapeutic food. One of the most devastating forms of malnutrition affecting this vulnerable population is kwashiorkor, a severe protein deficiency with distinct physical and systemic effects.

The World Health Organization reports that millions of children under five suffer from severe malnutrition, highlighting the devastating impact of conditions like marasmus. This devastating form of protein-energy malnutrition, or PEM, results from severe calorie and protein deficiency. So, what does marasmus look like? It presents with striking physical features resulting from the body's consumption of its own tissues to survive.