Obesity results from overeating foods rich in energy. Obesity is rare in Nigerian children, although it may develop in adolescence. Stunting means abnormally short stature. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey 1991, some degree of stunting affects up to 50 percent of Nigerian children below the age of five years. Wasting means an abnormal degree of thinness.
Breast feeding provides the perfect food for babies.
It protects them against infection and it lays the foundation for their healthy psychological development. Nigerians recognize the value of this important and natural way of feeding babies. This is commendable in the population. Yet some other practices attached to the nutrition of the early infant are not good. Many mothers introduce artificial milk, water, and juice in addition to breast milk when unnecessary.