2.3.4. Consequences of malnutrition

Malnutrition has numerous consequences on health status, education, and economic development.

The consequences of undernutrition can easily be observed in the height and body size of an individual. Unfortunately, these consequences go further on health status. Undernourished persons have a reduced immunity, what make them more vulnerable to infectious diseases and increases their risk of mortality.

Undernutrition also impairs mental development and physical performance. Evidence shows that undernutrition is associated to a poor school performance and lower school attendance. For example, anemic children and adolescents have more difficulties to keep focus at school and they get tired easily, which affect their performance at school. Additionally, undernutrition affects work capacity and consequently the economic productivity.

On the other hand, overweight and obesity also have consequences at short and long term. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes type 2, hypertension, and cancer. Obesity and non-communicable diseases also affect work capacity and economic productivity.