What is the difference between wasting and being underweight?
Wasting:
Wasting is characterised as having a low weight-for-height ratio.
Underweight:
Underweight is characterised as having a low weight-for-age ratio.
The difference between wasting and being underweight:
Wasting | Underweight |
1. It is characterised as having low weight than the recommended weight for a given height. | 1. It is characterised as having a low weight than the recommended weight for a given age. |
2. It frequently signals sudden and substantial weight loss, although it can also last for a long time | 2. An underweight kid may be stunted, wasted, or both. |
3. It commonly happens when a person hasn't eaten enough good food or has been sick frequently or for a long time. | 3. It is caused due to micronutrient deficiencies that result from a shortage of vitamins and minerals that are required for biological processes such as the production of enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals required for growth and development. |