Understanding the Health Risks of Undernutrition

Undernutrition or malnutrition is associated with a deficiency of calories, essential vitamins or nutrients. This can lead to a number of diseases, and in severe cases, starvation and death.

Poor Immunity

• If you are malnourished, your body becomes less able to fight infections and repair wounds. You may frequently become ill.

Skin, Hair and Blood

• You may develop anemia, your skin may become dry and lose elasticity, your hair may fall out, and you may lose too much weight.

Heart, Lungs and Muscle

• The size of your heart and your pulse, blood pressure, lung size, respiration, and muscle strength and size may decrease significantly. You become less able to exercise or work.

Impaired Digestion

• Your stomach shrinks, your ability to digest food decreases and you may have frequent diarrhea.

Mental Problems

• You may become irritable and apathetic. Children may suffer from mental retardation. The elderly may show symptoms of mental dysfunction.

Sexual Problems

• There may be a loss of sex drive, and menstruation may cease.