What is the term for "starvation" that involves both protein and calorie deficiency?

Study for the ASU HEP100 Health and Wellness Exam with detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you prepare and succeed!

The condition characterized by both protein and calorie deficiency is known as marasmus. This term describes a severe form of malnutrition that occurs when the body does not receive enough calories or protein over an extended period. In marasmus, the body's supply of fat and protein is depleted, leading to significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and overall deterioration of health.

Marasmus is typically associated with extreme caloric restriction, which may result from conditions such as poverty, illness, or lack of access to food. This condition is especially critical in children, as it can lead to long-term developmental impairments and increased susceptibility to infections.

Additionally, while kwashiorkor is another form of malnutrition, it specifically results from a deficiency in protein with adequate caloric intake, distinct from the combined deficiencies seen in marasmus. Protein-calorie malnutrition is a broader term that encompasses multiple forms of malnutrition, including marasmus and kwashiorkor, but does not specifically designate the starvation aspect like marasmus does. Anorexia refers to an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image rather than a direct definition of protein and calorie deficiency.

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