Stunting, wasting, marasmus, kwashiorkor and obesity are the forms of malnutrition that are most common in Nigeria. Malnutrition results from not eating well. Stunting, wasting, marasmus, and kwashiorkor result from insufficient energy and protein. They may also result form an unbalanced diet which causes the individual to be susceptible to illness. All kinds of illnesses may precipitate PEM by depleting the body energy and protein.
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.