Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Social consequences of malnutrition
1School of Social Work, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA. Michael_Seipel@byu.edu
Social Work
|October 8, 1999
Summary
Malnutrition causes millions of deaths and health issues globally, yet remains a silent emergency. Addressing malnutrition requires a multifaceted approach involving all social institutions, including social work.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Malnutrition affects millions annually, leading to severe health consequences and mortality.
- Despite its global impact, malnutrition is often overlooked and termed a 'silent emergency'.
- The complex nature of malnutrition necessitates a broad, collaborative response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the social determinants and consequences of malnutrition.
- To propose actionable social work interventions for malnutrition mitigation.
- To highlight the role of social work in addressing this global health crisis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on social determinants of malnutrition.
- Analysis of the multifaceted consequences of malnutrition.
- Identification of social work strategies for prevention and intervention.
Main Results:
- Social factors significantly influence malnutrition prevalence and outcomes.
- Malnutrition has profound, long-lasting impacts on physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
- Social work interventions can effectively address social determinants and alleviate malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- Combating malnutrition requires integrated efforts across social institutions.
- Social work is pivotal in addressing the social dimensions of malnutrition.
- Targeted social work actions can contribute to minimizing malnutrition globally.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Nature and Nurture
Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:21Overview of Protein Metabolism
Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...