Title:Malnutrition: A Longstanding Challenge in India
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
Author(s): Ritu Saini*Meenakshi Bajpai
Affiliation:
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, 17km Stone, NH-2, Mathura-Delhi Road Mathura, Chaumuhan,
Uttar Pradesh 281406, India
Keywords:
Malnutrition, undernutrition, micronutrient, deficiency, overweight, obesity.
Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, “malnutrition is the “deficiencies, excesses,
or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients”. Indian population has the highest
rate of adolescent malnutrition. Deficiency, Illness, Small level of education, and a range of
other factors contribute to India's malnutrition crisis. Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency conditions,
and overnutrition are all forms of malnutrition. A malnourished always lags in every aspect
of life which will eventually affect the productivity of the country. In the 2023 Global
Hunger Index, India is positioned at 111th among 125 countries, reflecting a serious level of
hunger with a score of 28.7. India is grappling with a substantial population affected by anemia,
malnutrition, and obesity. Other than this Indian population is also affected by several other micronutrient
deficiencies. The present article provides an overview of the triple burden of malnutrition
in India by applying the literature review method and the data were collected from online
sources such as government survey reports, articles, and publications related to nutrition, healthcare
status, healthcare indicators, nutritional indicators, and healthcare survey reports, etc. A brief
introduction of the strategies followed by the Government as well as global health organisations to
combat the issue is also discussed.