**7. Magnitude of problem**

non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as enormous economic and human capital costs [6]. According to UNICEF, one in three malnourished children in the world is Indian. It is estimated that reducing malnutrition could add some 3% to

• This inter-generational cycle of undernutrition transmitted from mothers to children greatly impacts on India's present and future. Undernourished children are much more likely to suffer from infection and die from common childhood illnesses (diarrhoea, pneumonia, measles, malaria) than well-

• According to recent estimates, more than a third of all deaths in children aged 5

• Undernourished boys and girls do not perform as well in school as compared to their well-nourished peers, and as adults they are less productive and make

• Widespread child undernutrition greatly impedes India's socio-economic

*Underweight* is defined as weight that is 2 standard deviations below the WHO child growth standards for that particular age. In other words, child is underweight if Z-scores of child for a given weight for age is less than 2 SD from the median of

*Wasting* is defined as loss of body weight with reference to height. In other words, child is having wasting if Z-scores of child for a given weight for height is less than 2 SD from the median of the WHO/NCHS Child Growth Standards or

Wasting is also known as 'acute malnutrition' and is characterized by a rapid deterioration in nutritional status over a short period of time in children under 5 years of age. In children, it can be measured using the weight-for-height nutritional index or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). There are different levels of severity of acute malnutrition: moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe

*Stunting* is defined as a height that is more than 2 standard deviations below the WHO child growth standards median. In other words, child is stunted if Z-scores of child for a given height for age is less than 2 SD from the median of the WHO/

Stunting is also known as 'chronic undernutrition', although this is only one of its causes. Stunting is often associated with cognitive impairments such as delayed

• Undernutrition puts women at a greater risk of pregnancy-related complications and death (obstructed labour and hemorrhage).

years or younger is attributable to undernutrition.

development and potential to reduce poverty [7].

the WHO/NCHS Child Growth Standards or References.

India's GDP.

**5. The consequences of the problem**

*Perspective of Recent Advances in Acute Diarrhea*

nourished children.

lower wages.

References.

**12**

acute malnutrition (SAM).

NCHS Child Growth Standards or References.

**6. Measurement of malnutrition**

In present era malnutrition is reflected as double burden, one aspect is undernutrition and other being overnutrition. But, in India and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs), basically malnutrition is synonymous with protein energy malnutrition or undernutrition, which signifies an imbalance between the supply of protein and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure optimal growth and function.
