In medicine,wasting, also known aswasting syndrome, refers to the process by which a debilitatingdisease causesmuscle andfattissue to "waste" away. Wasting is sometimes referred to as "acute malnutrition" because it is believed that episodes of wasting have a short duration, in contrast tostunting, which is regarded as chronic malnutrition. An estimated 45 million children under 5 years of age (or 6.7%) were wasted in 2021.[1]: 4 Wasting prevalence declined from 7.5 % in 2012 to 6.8% in 2022, with 6.2% of children under five years old projected to be wasted in 2030, more than double the 3%Sustainable Developoment Goals target.[2]Prevalence is highest inSouthern Asia, followed byOceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) andSouth-eastern Asia.[1]: 14
Wasting can be caused by an extremely low energy intake (e.g., caused byfamine), nutrient losses due toinfection, or a combination of low intake and high loss. Infections and conditions associated with wasting includetuberculosis, chronicdiarrhea,AIDS, andsuperior mesenteric artery syndrome. The mechanism may involvecachectin – also called tumor necrosis factor, amacrophage-secretedcytokine. Caretakers and health providers can sometimes contribute to wasting if the patient is placed on an improper diet. Voluntary weight loss andeating disorders are excluded as causes of wasting.
Cutoff points may vary, but <80% (close to −2Z-score) is often used.
Antiretrovirals and anabolic steroids have been used to treat HIV wasting syndrome.[3] Additionally, an increase in protein-rich foods such aspeanut butter andlegumes (dried beans and peas) can assist in controlling the loss of muscle mass.[4]
This article incorporates text from afree content work. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Text taken fromThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024, FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO, FAO.
