Child malnutrition is a global problem affecting millions of children worldwide. It has long-term repercussions on their physical, mental and emotional health. Malnutrition is often not just a lack of food. It also refers to a diet that is unbalanced and deficient in essential nutrients. In this article, we explore how malnutrition affects children’s health. and how proper school feeding can be the solution.
HOW DOES MALNUTRITION AFFECT CHILDREN'S HEALTH?
Malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problems in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)around 45% de las muertes de niños menores de 5 años son atribuidas a causas relacionadas con la malnutrición. Si bien algunos niños pueden parecer saludables externamente, una dieta deficiente puede tener consecuencias devastadoras en su desarrollo físico, cognitivo y emocional.
A poor diet can stunt children’s physical growth, weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to disease. In terms of cognitive development, malnourished children may experience difficulties in concentration and learning. Moreover, the effects of malnutrition on children are not limited to a lack of weight or energy. A weakened immune system increases the risk of infections and other serious diseases. These often disrupt school life and daily activities.
THE SEVERITY OF CHILD MALNUTRITION
The answer to this question is clear: how does malnutrition affect children’s health? The problems related to child malnutrition are even more alarming when recent data are considered. In Spain, according to the Aladdin Study 2023, approximately 36.1 per cent of children between 6 and 9 years of age are overweight. Of these, one 15,9% are obese. Another 20,2% is overweight due to an unbalanced diet. This reflects a public health problem that continues to grow and affects both children’s physical and emotional well-being.
The long-term consequences of child malnutrition are manifold:
CHRONIC DISEASES
The effects of child malnutrition extend beyond childhood. Children with unbalanced diets are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and mental disorders in adulthood. Inadequate nutrition in childhood can have devastating long-term effects, affecting health throughout life.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
In this sense, mental and emotional health is also affected, as poor nutrition can lead to irritability, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating… These factors impact not only on the child’s health. They also impact on their school and social well-being.
BALANCED NUTRITION IN SCHOOL CANTEENS
Fortunately, child malnutrition is a preventable and addressable problem. This can be done through a balanced diet. The key to combating it is to ensure that children receive all the essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development. School canteens play a key role in this process.
School canteens are an ideal environment to ensure that children receive a healthy diet. Especially considering that many children spend a significant part of their day at school. According to a According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, schools have a responsibility to provide healthy menus that contribute to the well-being of students and the formation of healthy eating habits.
CASVI VILLAVICIOSA'S COMMITMENT TO CHILD NUTRITION
At the Casvi International School VillaviciosaWe are aware of how malnutrition affects children’s health. We understand that proper nutrition is essential for the overall well-being of children. That is why we offer a school canteen that serves balanced menus adapted to the nutritional needs of students at all stages of education.
In addition to healthy menus, at Casvi Villaviciosa we believe in nutritional education. as a fundamental part of children’s development. Our students learn about the importance of a balanced diet through workshops and interactive activities. We encourage children to understand how nutrition directly influences their physical and mental health.
As part of our educational approach, children participate in activities that teach them how to make healthy food choices. From the classroom to the dining room, we promote eating habits that will last a lifetime.
