What are the signs and symptoms of malnourishment?

What are the signs and symptoms of malnourishment?

Other symptoms of malnutrition include:

  • reduced appetite.
  • lack of interest in food and drink.
  • feeling tired all the time.
  • feeling weaker.
  • getting ill often and taking a long time to recover.
  • wounds taking a long time to heal.
  • poor concentration.
  • feeling cold most of the time.

Is kwashiorkor a form of malnutrition?

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. It’s most common in some developing regions where babies and children do not get enough protein or other essential nutrients in their diet. The main sign of kwashiorkor is too much fluid in the body’s tissues, which causes swelling under the skin (oedema).

What happens if you are malnourished?

People who are undernourished may experience weight loss, fatigue and mood changes or develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Overnutrition can lead to overweight, obesity and inadequate micronutrient intakes and deficiencies. Both types can lead to health issues if not addressed.

What does malnourishment look like?

Common signs of malnutrition include: unintentional weight loss – losing 5% to 10% or more of weight over 3 to 6 months is one of the main signs of malnutrition. a low body weight – people with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 are at risk of being malnourished (use the BMI calculator to work out your BMI)

What do you need to know about marasmus disease?

What You Should Know About Marasmus 1 Overview. Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition. 2 Symptoms of marasmus. The main symptom of marasmus is being underweight. 3 Causes of marasmus. Nutrient deficiency is the main cause of marasmus. 4 Risk factors for marasmus. Growing up in a developing country is a risk factor for marasmus.

What kind of malnutrition causes marasmus in children?

Marasmus is not the only syndrome that results from severe malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is another severe form of protein-energy malnutrition where the main deficiency is protein.

Which is the most common form of PEM marasmus?

Sometimes one predominates and, if severe enough, may lead to the major forms of PEM: marasmus, in which the deficiency is primarily of energy-giving foods, and kwashiorkor, with predominant protein deficiency. Frequently there are mixed pictures, with a combination of energy deficiency and chronic or acute protein deficit – marasmic kwashiorkor.

What to do if you have marasmus eating disorder?

If marasmus results from an eating disorder, a person is also likely to need mental health treatment and support. The best way to prevent marasmus is to have an adequate intake of calories and protein, preferably from a healthful, well-balanced diet.

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