Malnutrition Objectives and Definitions

Malnutrition Overview

• Malnutrition is defined as "a cellular imbalance between supply of nutrients and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions" according to WHO, UNICEF, and SCN.

Types of Malnutrition

• Undernutrition includes wasting, stunting, and underweight conditions.
• Inadequate intake of vitamins or minerals can lead to malnutrition.
• Overweight and obesity are also forms of malnutrition, associated with diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

• SAM involves severe wasting and can be associated with acute starvation or severe disease conditions, such as diarrhoea.
• Wasting is defined as having a weight for height measurement of less than -2 standard deviations (SD) from the median of a reference population.

Wasting

• Represents a recent and severe weight loss often linked to inadequate food intake and/or serious illness.
• Associated with physical deterioration and risk of mortality.

Stunting

• Stunting reflects impaired growth and development, frequently due to poor nutrition, repeated infections, and lack of adequate psychosocial stimulation.
• Commonly linked to socio-economic factors, maternal health, and early life feeding practices.
• Defined as a height-for-age measurement of less than -2 SD from the median of a reference population.

Underweight

• Represents a general indicator of malnutrition and is defined as having less weight than expected for a given height and age.

Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition

• Visible signs include extreme thinness, failure to grow, and developmental delays in children.

Physiotherapeutic Role

• Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing malnourished children by assessing physical health and providing therapeutic interventions.

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Measurement

• MUAC is a key field measurement for assessing nutritional status in children. It is important to explain the technique for accurate assessment.

WHO’s 10 Steps of Malnutrition Prevention

• Familiarity with WHO’s guidelines on malnutrition management is vital for healthcare practitioners.

Notable Conditions Related to Malnutrition

• Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and Marasmic-Kwashiorkor are specific forms of malnutrition related to protein and energy deficiencies.
• Other conditions associated with malnutrition include Anaemia, Rickets, Scurvy, and Osteoporosis.

This quiz covers key aspects of malnutrition, focusing on severe acute malnutrition and its various forms, including wasting, stunting, and underweight. Students will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of malnutrition, alongside its implications. Enhance your understanding of nutritional health with this essential overview.