On overview of anthropometric indicators

Malnutrition remains a widespread problem in developing countries, in particular among the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population. Malnutrition is typically caused by a combination of inadequate food intake and infection which impairs the body’s ability to absorb or assimilate food. It is an important cause of low birth weight, brain damage and other birth defects, and contributes to developmental (physical and cognitive) retardation, increased risk of infection and death, and other problems in infants and children.