Malnutrition among Young Girls: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Malnutrition is defined as excess or deficit in individual energy or nutrients intake. It is a persistent and multifaceted global public health challenge, with far-reaching implications for individual well-being, societal development, and future generations. Despite global efforts and progress towards reducing malnutrition rates, millions of people, particularly in low-and middle-income countries are suffering from malnutrition. It affects every segment of population irrespective of their age and sex but young and adolescents’ girls are more affected by it. It prevails in the society in its various form like undernutrition includes (stunting, wasting and underweight) and overweight includes obesity or in certain cases both known as double burden of malnutrition. Another form is iron deficiency Anaemia. It is still a big public health issue in India. This demographic is at increased risk due to a combination of socio-economic factors like family income, parents’ education, locality either urban or rural, cultural norms, inadequate dietary intake, gender-based discrimination, lack of access to nutritious food, and poor healthcare facilities. There are other social determinants of health classified into two structural and intermediary. Undernutrition causes mortality and morbidity, whereas overnutrition increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Their health issues have a direct impact on the newborn or can result in preterm or stillbirth, as well as maternal mortality. This review also discusses the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. It is a global issue that necessitates a multi-sectoral strategy incorporating government measures, community participation, and nutrition education programs. Sustainable solutions are necessary to ensure the well-being and development of young girls, contributing to the general progress of the nation.
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Introduction
Food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition remain severe and widespread challenges for impoverished populations worldwide in the 21st century. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reported that between 2010 and 2012, more than 870 million people were persistently undernourished, with most of them residing in developing countries [1]. Nutrition is a critical factor in shaping health, overall well-being, and human development. Body size is often used to assess nutritional status: conditions like stunting and wasting indicate undernutrition, while overweight and obesity reflect overnutrition [2]. Malnutrition, which includes both nutrient deficiencies and excesses, affects energy and nutrient intake. Globally, about one-third of adults suffer from anaemia, and half are either underweight or overweight. In India, malnutrition poses a dual burden, with both underweight and overweight individuals coexisting. The problem escalates to a triple burden when micronutrient deficiencies—shortages of essential vitamins and minerals—are also present [3].
The youth demographic spans ages 10 to 24, with adolescence defined as ages 10–19 and youth as 20–24. Although malnutrition affects people of all ages and genders, this review focuses on adolescent girls, who represent a vital part of the population. A woman’snutritional health is shaped by her lifelong dietary habits, metabolism, and nutrient use. Many aspects influencing her nutrition originate even before birth and can have lasting effects. Nonetheless, there are opportunities to improve nutritional status during adolescence and beyond, including the pre-and post-pregnancy phases. Addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls and women—even those who don’tbecome mothers can enhance their health, empower them, and strengthen their contributions to society [4].
Globally, women are more prone than men to being underweight or overweight/obese due to both biological (e.g., hormonal) and behavioural (e.g., early-life food scarcity and lack of physical activity) factors. Women at either extreme of the weight spectrum face higher risks of infertility and serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, and infant mortality [5].
Conclusion
Malnutrition remains a widespread problem affecting nearly all segments of the global population. It arises from an imbalance in energy intake and presents in various forms, including both undernutrition and overnutrition. When these two conditions appear together within individuals or communities, it is referred to as the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM). One of the most prevalent nutritional issues, particularly among adolescent girls, is anaemia, which stems from a range of factors-physical, biological, environmental, and psychological. Additional contributing elements include parental education levels, gender inequality, poor dietary practices, household food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and inadequate utilization of available health services. Among young girls, misconceptions about ideal body weight and negative body image perceptions are major contributors to low BMI-for-age. In recent years, India has experienced notable shifts in dietary patterns. While undernutrition rates have declined, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen. Addressing this evolving nutritional landscape requires targeted efforts—such as enhancing nutrition-focused programs, increasing public awareness through education, and enacting supportive policies. These measures are essential for improving the health and nutritional status of adolescent and young girls, supporting their growth and long-term well-being.
