A number of health and nutrition experts have highlighted the importance of proper nutrition practices, which they say are key to addressing the issue of malnutrition. According to a report published by the health-focused website "Boldsky," this issue affects not only the poor but also extends to affluent families, as over-nutrition or excessive consumption of unhealthy meals falls under forms of malnutrition.
Dr. Shailesh Jagtap, an international nutrition expert and consultant specializing in maternal and child health, stated that malnutrition is not limited to those suffering from food deficiency. He added that the affordability of food may not be the issue for most of the community, but certainly, the problem lies in a lack of awareness. He explained that "lack of awareness about recommended dietary diversity and what locally available foods can constitute a varied diet, alongside societal misconceptions about what foods should be eaten, when to eat, and how much and how often to eat" are prevalent.
Dr. Jagtap emphasized the importance of proper nutritional practices during the first thousand days of children's growth, advising pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to include micronutrient supplements such as folic acid, iron, and calcium during pregnancy, and to start early exclusive breastfeeding up to six months. He noted that it is important to educate teenagers about good nutrition early on to avoid the development of bad eating habits.
Dr. Seema Bori, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Institute of Home Economics at the University of Delhi, mentioned that malnutrition or undernutrition is more common among the poor, primarily due to a lack of food. However, different forms of malnutrition, such as micronutrient malnutrition or what is known as "hidden hunger," also exist among economically better-off groups.
Anemia affects all ages and social groups, and Vitamin D deficiency is mainly attributed to inadequate sun exposure, consequently appearing in wealthier sectors of society. Dr. Bori noted that "children who are underweight at birth are a widespread phenomenon in the wealthiest quintile. Additionally, obesity, a form of malnutrition, is currently prevalent even in poor areas."
Dr. Bori pointed to the increased impact of social media, where available information may not always be evidence-based and accurate, leading to poor dietary choices and increased portion sizes alongside irregular eating schedules. However, other factors, such as a lack of physical activity, also play a significant role in obesity. She stated that these issues can be addressed by creating awareness around healthy lifestyle choices focused on a good diet and appropriate physical activity, highlighting the importance for mothers to avoid including processed foods in their child’s diet and to make conscious healthy choices.
In this context, Dr. Vandana Sabharwal, an assistant professor specializing in food and nutrition at the University of Delhi, indicated that various forms of malnutrition affect all segments of society. She noted, for example, that there is not much difference in the daily consumption of dark green leafy vegetables between men and women from low and high-income groups. Dr. Sabharwal added that while many poor families cannot afford or obtain enough nutritious foods, the underlying issue of affluence is a lack of awareness, citing a report on the harmful consumption of sugary drinks, which stated that 36.9% of women from high-income groups consume soft drinks compared to 13.6% of women in poor households.
