Protein-energy malnutrition has been linked to all the following factors, exceptQuestion 20…

3. How do poverty and food insecurity contribute to protein energy malnutrition?
Poverty limits money for diverse, sufficient diets and healthcare. Food insecurity causes irregular meals, low-quality foods, and poor dietary diversity. These conditions increase growth faltering, wasting, and weakened immunity in children. Recurrent illness and inadequate caregiving then perpetuate a cycle of undernutrition and disease.