Wasting

Wasting is a severe nutritional problem defined as a youngster being very low weight-for-height. It usually arises when there is rapid and substantial weight loss due to limited meal intake, repeated sickness, or poor absorption of nutrients. In severe circumstances, wasting is a medical emergency that greatly increases the risk of infection, delayed recovery, and mortality among children.

Children with wasting frequently look very skinny, frail, and tired since they have lost muscle and body fat. Common causes include prolonged diarrhoea, severe illnesses, starvation, poor feeding habits, and a lack of access to sufficient food.

Wasting in newborns and young children may also occur as a result of early termination of breastfeeding or inappropriate supplemental feeding.
The symptoms may include visible ribs, lower energy, a weaker immune system, poor appetite, irritability, and delayed growth and development. Untreated severe wasting can lead to dehydration, organ failure, and decreased brain development.
Treatment includes prompt nutritional rehabilitation with energy-dense foods; therapeutic feeding programs; hydration; infection control; and continuous medical monitoring. Prevention includes an adequate diet, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, clean sanitation, and early health care interventions to ensure healthy child growth and survival.