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Questions and Answers
What is the origin of the term 'malnutrition'?
What is the origin of the term 'malnutrition'?
What is a consequence of undernutrition during childhood?
What is a consequence of undernutrition during childhood?
Which group of people is at highest risk of malnutrition?
Which group of people is at highest risk of malnutrition?
What is a sign of malnutrition?
What is a sign of malnutrition?
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What is a consequence of malnutrition on the immune system?
What is a consequence of malnutrition on the immune system?
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What is responsible for about 2.2 million child deaths annually in the world?
What is responsible for about 2.2 million child deaths annually in the world?
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What is a common physical effect of severe malnutrition in the face?
What is a common physical effect of severe malnutrition in the face?
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What is a potential long-term effect of undernutrition in children?
What is a potential long-term effect of undernutrition in children?
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What is a consequence of malnutrition on wound healing?
What is a consequence of malnutrition on wound healing?
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What is the proportion of child mortality globally that is attributed to malnutrition?
What is the proportion of child mortality globally that is attributed to malnutrition?
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What is a common effect of severe malnutrition on hair?
What is a common effect of severe malnutrition on hair?
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What is a potential consequence of total starvation?
What is a potential consequence of total starvation?
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What is the typical outcome for adults who are severely malnourished and receive treatment?
What is the typical outcome for adults who are severely malnourished and receive treatment?
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Study Notes
Definition of Malnutrition
- Derived from malus (bad) and nutrire (to nourish)
- Includes both undernutrition and overnutrition
Undernutrition
- Occurs when an individual does not consume enough food
- Can exist with a poor diet that lacks the right balance of basic food groups
- Can affect obese people who consume more calories than they need, but lack essential nutrients
Global Impact of Malnutrition
- Largest contributor to child mortality globally, present in 45% of all cases
- Underweight births and inter-uterine growth restrictions responsible for 2.2 million child deaths annually
- Deficiencies in vitamin A or zinc cause 1 million deaths each year
High-Risk Groups
- Elderly people, especially those hospitalized or in long-term care
- Individuals who are socially isolated
- People on low incomes (poor people)
- People with chronic eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa
- People convalescing after a serious illness or condition
Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition
- Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
- Breathing difficulties and high risk of respiratory failure
- Depression
- Higher risk of complications after surgery
- Higher risk of hypothermia
- Weakened immune system, increasing the risk of infections
- Longer healing times for wounds
- Longer recovery times from infections and illnesses
- Problems with fertility
- Reduced muscle mass
- Fatigue and apathy
- Irritability
Severe Cases of Malnutrition
- Skin may become thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold
- Fat loss in the face, leading to hollow cheeks and sunken eyes
- Dry and sparse hair, falling out easily
- Unresponsiveness (stupor) in severe cases
- Heart, liver, and respiratory failure if calorie deficiency continues
- Total starvation is fatal within 8-12 weeks
Effects on Children
- Slow behavioral and intellectual development
- May lead to intellectual disabilities
- Long-term effects in children, including impairments in mental function and digestive problems
Effects on Adults
- Severe undernourishment can lead to full recovery when treated, but may have long-term effects if started during adulthood
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Description
Understanding malnutrition, its causes, and effects, including undernutrition and overnutrition. Malnutrition can occur due to a poor diet or excess calorie intake.
