Malnutrition significantly impacts health and wellbeing, regardless of its cause—whether undernutrition, overnutrition, or deficiencies in certain micronutrients. Undernutrition can lead to stunted growth, impaired immune systems, increased susceptibility to illnesses, and developmental delays, especially in children, due to insufficient consumption of calories, protein, and critical nutrients.

Conversely, overeating often results in obesity and related medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Micronutrient deficits can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of disease, and affect cognitive development, with examples including low iron, vitamin A, or iodine levels. Besides its adverse effects on physical health, malnutrition also hinders socioeconomic development by reducing productivity, lowering educational attainment, and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Undernutrition can cause stunted growth, impaired immune systems, increased susceptibility to illnesses, and developmental delays, particularly in children.(Image Credit:Canva)

In a conversation with Jagran English, Ms. Archana Sinha, who is the co-founder and CEO of the Nourishing School Foundation, talked about the impact of malnutrition.
 
According to Ms. Archana, in the modern-day era, malnutrition presents itself as one of the pressing challenges humanity confronts. Far from being confined to specific regions or demographics, it stands as a pervasive global issue, affecting millions worldwide. India contributes to a third of malnourished children worldwide. According to NFHS-5, 35.5% of children under five years were found to be stunted, while wasting and underweight stood at 19.3% and 32.1%, respectively. Contrary to common belief, malnutrition includes more than just undernourishment, extending to obesity and deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as excessive accumulation of body fat in relation to height and weight measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), representing a significant facet of malnutrition. Similarly, inadequate consumption of vital vitamins and minerals results in micronutrient deficiencies.

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Examining current trends, the prevalence of obesity has shown a consistent rise over the last three decades. According to the NFHS-5, 24.0% of women and 22.9% of men aged 15–49 years in India are obese or overweight. Similarly, the recent Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2019) found that every second Indian adolescent is either too short, too thin, or overweight or obese. Further, one in two adolescents suffers from at least two of the six micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc).
 
In addition, she included, Therefore, it is essential to integrate nutrition education into the school curricula of adolescents, who are in the formative years of their lives. This integration will enable future generations to tackle malnutrition more adeptly and empower society as a whole. In the modern-day era, malnutrition presents itself as one of the pressing challenges humanity confronts. Far from being confined to specific regions or demographics, it stands as a pervasive global issue, affecting millions worldwide. India contributes to a third of malnourished children worldwide. According to NFHS-5, 35.5% of children under five years were found to be stunted, while wasting and underweight stood at 19.3% and 32.1%, respectively.

Malnutrition also hinders socioeconomic development by reducing productivity and perpetuating poverty cycles.(Image Credit:Canva)

Contrary to common belief, malnutrition includes more than just undernourishment, extending to obesity and deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as excessive accumulation of body fat in relation to height and weight measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), representing a significant facet of malnutrition. Similarly, inadequate consumption of vital vitamins and minerals results in micronutrient deficiencies.

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At last, Ms. Archana said that, examining current trends, the prevalence of obesity has shown a consistent rise over the last three decades. According to the NFHS-5, 24.0% of women and 22.9% of men aged 15–49 years in India are obese or overweight. Similarly, the recent Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2019) found that every second Indian adolescent is either too short, too thin, or overweight or obese. Further, one in two adolescents suffers from at least two of the six micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc). Therefore, it is essential to integrate nutrition education into the school curricula of adolescents, who are in the formative years of their lives. This integration will enable future generations to tackle malnutrition more adeptly and empower society as a whole.