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Malnutrition occurs when someone does not ingest the right amount of nutrients and vitamins needed for survival. According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of the world's population suffers from malnutrition.
Hunger
Poor people experience hunger because they cannot obtain adequate amounts of calories and protein. They thus suffer stunted physical growth and ill health.
Protein Deficiency
Around 2 billion people do not receive sufficient vitamins, minerals or proteins in their diet.
Excess Consumption
Obesity is a type of malnutrition because the obese often consume fatty and sugary foods that contain no vitamins or minerals. Decreased exercise and high meat consumption exacerbate the negative health effects associated with excess consumption.
Coeliac Disease
People with coeliac disease might acquire malnutrition because of an inability to digest the protein gluten. The immune systems of coeliac disease sufferers interpret gluten as a toxic substance and produce a negative reaction. Subsequent damage to the intestinal lining prevents their bodies from absorbing food correctly.
Alcohol
Although alcohol prevents people from sensing hunger, misusing alcohol can cause malnutrition because the alcohol lacks nutrients conducive to good health.
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