4 Bad Impacts Of Malnutrition Must Be Known

Illustration of malnutrition (Freepik/EyeEm)

JAKARTA - Malnutrition, which refers to a shortage or imbalance in nutritional intake, can have a negative impact on the health of the body, especially in children, adolescents, and adults.

Malnutrition is not only a matter of food shortages, but can also occur due to unbalanced diets, lack of micronutrients, or the body's inability to absorb nutrition properly.

As a result of this condition, the sufferer can experience various health complaints related to body function disorders. The impact of malnutrition is not only felt in the short term, but can also affect a person's physical, mental, and quality of life in the long term.

There are several effects of malnutrition experienced by children to adults in Indonesia. Here are 4 effects of malnutrition according to Herrio Hattu, Country Director of Indonesia Nutrition International, when met on Jl. Haji R Rasuna Said, South Jakarta on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

1. Stunting

Indonesia has the 4th highest stunting prevalence in East & Pacific Asia (from 22 countries) and the 29th highest ranking in the world (from 175 countries). Every year, there are 1,383,549 new cases of stunting in Indonesia. The total number of children under 5 years of stunting in Indonesia reaches 6,917,745 children.

"The average number of stunting cases causes the loss of 10.8 points IQ and 1.5 years of school teaching, which will ultimately have an impact on a decrease in long-term productivity," said Herrio.

2. Low Birth Weight

In Indonesia, low birth weight prevalence (BBLR) at birth has decreased from 10.5% in 2012 to 9.9% in 2020 (according to the latest estimate until 2023). The average of each BBLR case resulted in a loss of 10 IQ points, which ultimately resulted in a decrease in long-term productivity.

"The low birth weight (BBLR) is defined by WHO as the weight of the baby at birth which is less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds). BBLR can be caused by various factors, including pregnant women experiencing malnutrition," said Herrio.

3. Children's Anemia

Every year, there are 1,54,013 new cases of anemia in children in Indonesia. In total, there are 7,720,065 children (aged 6-59 months) who have anemia in Indonesia.

Indonesia ranks 7th highest prevalence of anemia in children in the East Asia and Pacific region (from 23 countries) and is ranked 70th in the world (from 201 countries).

"It is estimated that between 30-60% of cases of anemia in children are caused by iron deficiency, depending on the level of infection in the population. Anemia due to iron deficiency in children is one of the factors in decreasing cognitive abilities and can affect children's achievements in schools," added Herio.

4. Anemia In Teenage Girls And Adult Women

In Indonesia, the prevalence of anemia in young women and women (15-49 years) increased from 27% in 2012 to 31.2% in 2019 (according to the latest estimates in 2023).

Data on the prevalence of anemia is not available for younger girls (10-14 years). Indonesia has the 8th highest prevalence of anemia in East Asia and the Pacific, and is ranked 73rd in the world.

"30-70% of cases of anemia in young women and women are caused by iron deficiency, depending on the level of infection in the population. Anemia due to iron deficiency can reduce productivity in adults, while in pregnant women, iron deficiency can increase the risk of death and cause problems during pregnancy and birth." said Herrio.