Recognizing the Symptoms of Stunting in Children

Stunting is a condition in which a child's physical growth and development is chronically hampered due to malnutrition and inadequate care over a long period of time, especially during the first 1,000 days of a child's life, starting from conception until the age of two. This condition is usually seen in the form of a child's low height compared to children his age.
Stunting can occur due to various factors, including malnutrition, frequent infections, limited access to nutritious food, poor sanitation, and inadequate health care. Basically, stunting reflects a child's inability to reach his or her full growth potential.

Some of the impacts of stunting include:
Low Productivity:
Children who experience stunting may have limited cognitive and physical abilities, which can affect their productivity as adults.
Chronic Disease Risk:
Children who are stunted tend to have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, when they grow up.
Low Educational Achievement:
Children who are stunted may have difficulty learning and achieving good educational achievements.
Higher Risk of Death:
Stunting can increase a child's risk of death, especially during difficult times such as when an illness strikes.

Stunting prevention involves efforts to provide adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child's life (from early pregnancy to 2 years of age), increasing access to health services and good sanitation. Public education and awareness about the importance of good nutrition and health care are also important factors in overcoming the problem of stunting.
It is very important to closely monitor the child's growth by carrying out routine evaluations of weight gain and body length every month. If your monthly weight and length gain does not reach the minimum target, immediately consult a pediatrician for immediate intervention
By paying attention to children's nutrition and health from an early age, it is hoped that it can reduce the incidence of stunting and improve children's quality of life.