Abstract: The nutritional scenario in the urban slums of Kolkata is not satisfactory. The situation of malnutrition is more severe in other districts of W. B. compared to Kolkata city. Malnutrition is widely prevalent among the socio-economically backward communities. It is more profound in rural and tribal areas than the urban areas. Reviewing a large number of malnutrition studies in different parts of West Bengal clearly indicate that malnutrition is not confined to a specific age-group, rather it is well-spread among individuals from different age-groups. Undernutrition sets in the very early age of life, starting from infancy, and continues throughout the childhood, adolescent period and adulthood. However, the extent and type of malnutrition vary from one age to another. The dietary inadequacy of the poor people results in a deficiency of both macronutrients and micronutrients which causes undernutrition among all age groups. The tribal populations are suffering from severe nutritional stress. The alarming situation of malnutrition in West Bengal needs an urgent attention of the government and non-government organizations working in this field. To overcome the problem of widespread malnutrition various low-cost nutritious foods are to be popularized in the rural and tribal areas and the awareness regarding health and nutrition of the poor people should be improved. Improvement of the literacy level of the common people is essential.
Keywords: Malnutrition, underweight, stunting, wasting, thinness, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Title: Malnutrition Scenario of West Bengal
Author: Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty, Prof. Santa Datta (De)
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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