What is the major global cause of stunted growth in children?

What is the major global cause of stunted growth in children?

• A. Undernutrition.
• B. Overnutrition.
• C. Genetic short stature.
• D. Lack of exercise.

Answer: (A)

Chronic undernutrition during early life disrupts linear growth, leading to stunting. When a child doesn’t receive enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients—especially in the first 1000 days from conception to age 2—the body’s growth programs slow down and height-for-age falls below the normal range. This pattern is seen globally, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, where poverty, food insecurity, poor sanitation, and repeated infections limit both energy and nutrient intake over time. Stunting reflects long-term nutritional deprivation and has lasting effects on health and development. Overnutrition tends to cause excess weight rather than reduced height, so it doesn’t explain stunting. Genetic short stature describes inherited height and doesn’t typically reflect the widespread, nutrition-driven growth faltering seen with stunting. Lack of exercise isn’t a driver of stunting either.

Chronic undernutrition during early life disrupts linear growth, leading to stunting. When a child doesn’t receive enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients—especially in the first 1000 days from conception to age 2—the body’s growth programs slow down and height-for-age falls below the normal range. This pattern is seen globally, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, where poverty, food insecurity, poor sanitation, and repeated infections limit both energy and nutrient intake over time. Stunting reflects long-term nutritional deprivation and has lasting effects on health and development.

Overnutrition tends to cause excess weight rather than reduced height, so it doesn’t explain stunting. Genetic short stature describes inherited height and doesn’t typically reflect the widespread, nutrition-driven growth faltering seen with stunting. Lack of exercise isn’t a driver of stunting either.