A "life sentence" is what chronic undernutrition, which is brought on by poor fetal

growth and growth deficits in the first two years, is like. It has a cumulatively negative
effect along with childhood and adolescent undernutrition. Intrauterine growth retarded
(IUGR) fetuses are born undernourished and are more likely to pass away within the first
year of life. Those who do survive are more likely than their peers who are properly fed to
have deficiencies in growth and development, continue to be undernourished throughout
their lives, and be ill. They are likely to enter and remain stunted and underweight in
childhood if their diet does not improve. If a child is stunted at age five, they are likely to
stay that way for the rest of their lives.

A small window of opportunity exists during adolescence, a second time of rapid growth,
to make up for lost growth during early childhood. The effects of early childhood
undernutrition on cognitive development and behavior may not entirely be reversed,
even if the child makes up some of the lost growth. If the child is a girl, she will probably
grow up to be a stunted adolescent and then an adult. In addition to having a direct
impact on her productivity and health, adult stunting and underweight increase the
likelihood that her offspring will be born with low birth weight. She is also more likely to
become pregnant as a teenager in areas of poverty and limited opportunity, which raises
the likelihood that both she and her unborn children will be undernourished.

A boy with stunted growth is more likely to have fewer opportunities as an adult because
of his lower potential. He will probably be physically and mentally less capable and
shorter, which will reduce his economic productivity. He also has a good chance of
having a child with a girl who is underweight. This makes it difficult to escape hunger
and poverty. The cycle continues from one generation to the next as their offspring
mature in this constricting setting and are consequently also at risk for malnutrition. You
can see how early malnutrition has an impact on a person's entire life and how
undernutrition affects generations.

Infancy: Depending on feeding practices and other environmental factors that affect
childcare and childhood illnesses' prevalence, severity, and recurrence. Foetal stage (-9
to 0 months): intra-uterine nutrition impacts on birth weight and micronutrient stores
after birth, such as calories, iron, iodine, and Vitamin A. This may also affect the baby's
chance of surviving. Young children (under five years old): The prevalence, seriousness,
and recurrence of childcare and childhood illnesses depend on feeding practices and
other environmental factors. This may affect a child's chance of survival.

Women of reproductive age (starting with adolescents): Due to the nutrient losses they
experience during monthly menstruation, pregnancy, delivery, and lactation, women of
reproductive age are especially vulnerable. Women of this age frequently engage in
energy-demanding activities in daily life, especially in environments with limited
resources. Food insecurity and poverty exacerbate the issue, leaving the body largely
undernourished and unable to meet its nutrient requirements.