Undernutrition in the developing world

Abstract

Key Messages Undernutrition is an outcome of many interlinked disadvantages rooted in poverty. "It is also a major cause of poverty. There is a vicious cycle between undernutrition, low human capital, underdevelopment, and poverty. " "Under– and overnutrition often coexist, resulting in a double burden of nutrition–related diseases in the developing world. " "On the population level, undernutrition is a public health problem in low–income countries, and on the individual level, a serious clinical health problem in all countries." "Health professionals should understand the causes and consequences of undernutrition to support, educate and empower patients to follow healthier diets when they are discharged from clinical settings into unfavorable food and nutrition environments.