Structure:

Introduction: (up to 30 words) Briefly explain Malnutrition, if possible statistics: India and Karnataka

Body: (up to 100 words) Give reasons for malnutrition in urban areas and general measures to eradicate malnutrition.

Conclusion: (up to 30 words) Conclude by laying down the importance of eradicating malnutrition

Supporting Points:

Malnutrition is the lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat.

India has the maximum number of malnourished children in the world – 1 in every 3 children are malnourished. The situation is extremely critical because the effects of malnourishment are irreversible if they occur at a young age. If not death, it leads to permanent disabilities that render the children ill for the rest of their lives. According to the statistics given by the ministry of Health and Family welfare on malnourished under-five children, Karnataka records 35.2 per cent of underweight children, 11.6 per cent severely underweight, 26.1 per cent wasted (weak), 10.5 percent severely wasted, 36.2 per cent stunted and 16.6 per cent severely stunted

A recent study by Indian Institute of Health Management and Research showed:

1. After measuring the children’s height and weight, it was realized that malnutrition was a concern even in a developed state like Karnataka.
2. The researchers also interacted with the kids’ families to examine diet patterns. Most of the affected children were born to young mothers who had their first baby around 20.
3. When the mothers are married off young, their nutrition is at stake. Many women are anaemic. This leads to low birth weight in children and hence malnourishment.
4. Researchers found that there was no dietary diversity in the families of such children. They consumed pulses and cereals, mostly eaten with rice. They had white rice for most of their meals. In some cases, a form of flavoured white rice was consumed even for breakfast.
5. The children didn’t consume any other grains, and the minimal consumption of fruits, vegetables and greens was another concern.
6. The study also found that 55% consumed readily available sugar-laden drinks almost every day.
7. The research suggested medical attention for such children as they showed a higher tendency of falling sick. As most families did not have access to a diet chart, Indian Institute of Health Management and Research, said awareness must be created about low-cost, easily available nutritional snacks.

Some of the reasons for malnutrition in urban areas:

1. Urban families, who may not be officially poor but do not have access to nutritious food—either through ignorance, changing food habits and time pressure.
2. For many whose work days are often marked by long commutes, long hours and intense physical activity, food is low on the daily priority list.
3. Children are especially vulnerable to the easy availability of packaged food and irregular, unbalanced diets. Poor diets can slow growth, decay new teeth, promote obesity and sow the seeds of infirmity and debilitating disease that ultimately lead to malnutrition. Food containing low nutrition value tends to reduce the IQ level of children.
4. Increasing consumption of Junk food which is unhealthy for the digestive system as it slows down the digestion process, bloating the stomach.
5. Malnutrition in urban areas is not limited to poor families. Many urban middle class families always try to compromise on nutritious diet in order to save money to purchase luxury items
6. Most of the government programmes may be noble in their intent but have a faulty design and poor implementation.
7. Poor sanitation, lack of hygiene and unsafe drinking water

Some universal measures to eradicate malnutrition:

1. A holistic approach comprising and empowering the women with education, decision making in child rearing and health care for mother.
2. Complete immunisation including optional immunisation and preparation of nutritious food is required to combat the malnutrition among children.
3. Wholesome nutrition because it is not enough to feed hunger. Without essential micronutrients like iodine, iron and vitamins, children suffer brain damage, night blindness, rickets, anaemia and even heart failure.
4. Effective implementation of programs and schemes: for example Karnataka Nutrition Mission.
5. Involvement of Civil Society in eradicating Malnutrition.