Undernutrition – When people do not eat enough nutrients to cover their needs for energy and growth

To remember the meaning of the term Undernutrition, use the following mnemonic:

Under new tuition (undernutrition) the young gymnast was told to lose weight, but she was not getting enough nutrients to cover her needs for energy and growth.

Undernutrition is one of the main results of food insecurity in many countries and regions. Many of the world's hungry people have enough food to survive, but not for continuing good health.

Without sufficient food, people are unable to lead active lives. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, undernutrition makes it hard for people to study, work or perform physical activities, and it is particularly harmful to women and children.

Undernourished children do not grow as quickly. Mentally, they may develop more slowly, and hunger makes them vulnerable to diseases and infections.

Mothers living with constant hunger often give birth to underweight and weak babies, and themselves face an increased risk of death.

Every day, millions of people around the world eat only the bare minimum of food to keep themselves alive.