NEARLY ONE THIRD OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ARE STUNTED

Highest levels are found in South Asia
Prevalence of stunting in children under five, by region (2000–2006)

Stunting, wasting and overweight

Stunting, or low height for age, is caused by long-term insufficient nutrient intake and frequent infections. Stunting generally occurs before age two, and effects are largely irreversible. These include delayed motor development, impaired cognitive function and poor school performance. Nearly one third of children under five in the developing world are stunted.

Wasting, or low weight for height, is a strong predictor of mortality among children under five. It is usually the result of acute significant food shortage and/or disease. There are 24 developing countries with wasting rates of 10 per cent or more, indicating a serious problem urgently requiring a response.

Overweight is an increasingly important issue all over the world: 20 developing countries have rates above 5 per cent. Childhood undernutrition and overweight co-exist in many countries, leading to a double burden of malnutrition.

WASTING PREVALENCE IS 10 PER CENT OR MORE IN 24 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING ALMOST ALL COUNTRIES IN SOUTH ASIA AND MANY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Prevalence of wasting in children under five (2000–2006)

MORE THAN 5 PER CENT OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE ARE OVERWEIGHT IN 20 DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Prevalence of overweight in children under five (2000–2006)