Nutrition is critical for health and development. Better nutrition leads to improved health outcomes like stronger immune systems and lower disease risk, as well as non-health benefits like greater productivity. Malnutrition in all its forms poses major health risks, and both undernutrition and overweight are problems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. WHO provides tools to help countries address all forms of malnutrition to support health and well-being for all ages.

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Nutrition
Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved
infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth,
lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease),
and longevity.
Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can
create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.
Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health. Today the world
faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and overweight,
especially in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO is providing scientific advice and decision-making tools that can help countries take
action to address all forms of malnutrition to support health and wellbeing for all, at all ages.
This fact file explores the risks posed by all forms of malnutrition, starting from the earliest
stages of development, and the responses that the health system can give directly and
through its influence on other sectors, particularly the food system.

2. Learn about Nutrition and Food Safety and COVID-19
WHO Team
15% babies
are born with
Low birth weight
Find out more

3. 149 million children
under 5 yrs of age
are too short for their age (stunted)
Find out more
45 million children
under 5 yrs of age
are too thin for their height (wasted)
Find out more
44 % infants
under 6 months are
Exclusively breastfed
Find out more
39 million

4. children under 5 are
Overweight or obese
Find out more
33% of women
of reproductive age
have anaemia
Find out more
15% babies
are born with
Low birth weight
Find out more
149 million children
under 5 yrs of age
are too short for their age (stunted)

5. Find out more
45 million children
under 5 yrs of age
are too thin for their height (wasted)
Find out more
44 % infants
under 6 months are
Exclusively breastfed
Find out more
39 million
children under 5 are
Overweight or obese
Find out more
33% of women

6. of reproductive age
have anaemia
Find out more
15% babies
are born with
Low birth weight
Find out more
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