Impaired physical growth and development
Chronic undernutrition during adolescence, marked by stunting, underweight and delayed puberty limit the attainment of peak height and muscle mass. Globally, over 21% of adolescents in LMICs are stunted, reducing physical work capacity and increasing susceptibility to non-communicable diseases later in life (UNICEF 2020).
Cognitive impairment
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, iodine and zinc often result in reduced attention span and lower academic performance. In LMICS, iron deficiency anemia affects up to 30-40% of adolescents and is strongly correlated with lower school achievement and absenteeism (WHO 2021).
Increased susceptibility to illness
Malnourished adolescents experience weakened immune responses, making them more prone to infections such as respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal diseases and tuberculosis. Studies show that malnutrition contributes to over 45% of all adolescent deaths from infectious diseases in LMICs (WHO 2021).
Emotional and mental health challenges
Emerging evidence links poor nutrition to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and social withdrawal. Adolescents facing food insecurity report higher psychological distress, while deficiencies in B-vitamins, omega – 3 fatty acids and iron are known to affect mood regulation and brain function.
Adverse reproductive health outcomes
Undernourished adolescent girls face higher risks of obstetric complications such as obstructed labor, preterm birth and maternal mortality. The proportion of wasted adolescent girls increased to 18% in 2022 compared to 15% in 2014 (KDHS, 2022). Teenage pregnancy in undernourished girls is also linked to low birth weight and neonatal mortality, hence the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition (UNFPA, 2022).
STRATEGIES TO CURB ADOLESCENT MALNUTRITION
Nutrition Education and Awareness
Integrating nutrition education into both formal school curricula and informal community platforms is vital. In LMICS where nutrition literacy remains low among adolescents and caregivers, age-appropriate knowledge, attitude and practices on dietary diversity, meal planning and nutrient needs can ensure optimum health. Some governments in sub-Saharan Africa are already piloting nutrition clubs in schools and peer-to-peer adolescent health education programs within youth friendly spaces, supported by ministries of education and health.
Inclusive and Nutritious School Feeding programs
School meal programs offer a critical safety net, especially for adolescents from food-insecure households. Recent policy shifts in several African countries have expanded school meals to include junior secondary students, with a growing push toward homegrown school feeing models that strengthen local food systems to cater for adolescents’ nutritional needs.
Micronutrients Supplementation
Adolescents, particularly girls need increased intake of iron, folic acid, iodine and other key nutrients. Evidence based interventions such as weekly iron –folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) and vitamin A distribution have shown significant impact in reducing anemia and related morbidities. Many LMICs have adopted national guidelines for adolescent supplementation, often integrated into school health programs and reproductive health clinics. However, implementation remains inconsistent and requires community sensitization and monitoring.
Strengthening adolescent friendly healthy services
Health systems must prioritize adolescent friendly care that is accessible, confidential and responsive to their unique needs. This includes integrating nutrition assessments, counseling and supplementation into regular health check-ups and sexual and reproductive health services. Some countries have begun scaling youth-focused health packages delivered through community health workers and mobile clinics, through service uptake among out-of school adolescents remains a challenge.
Empowerment and Gender responsive programming
Efforts to reduce adolescent malnutrition must address underlying gender inequalities, for example by promoting menstrual hygiene management, delaying child marriage and teenage pregnancy and engaging adolescents in decision- making.
Food security and Climate resilient agriculture
Promoting small-scale farming, kitchen gardens and climate smart agriculture can directly improve household food diversity and resilience. In low-resource settings, adolescent participation in youth agricultural clubs and nutrition-sensitive agriculture clubs and nutrition-sensitive livelihood projects has proven effective. Some national programs now include adolescent nutrition targets within broader food security frameworks, supported by both agricultural extension services and nutrition officers.
Policy reform and multi-sectoral coordination
An increasing number of African countries are prioritizing adolescent nutrition within national development, health and nutrition plans. These efforts align with continental frameworks like the African regional nutrition strategy (2015-2025) and CAADP. Success depends on strong cross-sector coordination, dedicated funding and integration of adolescent indicators into national and sub-national data systems.
CONCLUSION
Malnutrition among adolescents in low and middle- income countries is a complex but urgent issue that demands targeted action. This age group represents the future of society, yet many are growing up with nutritional deficiencies that threaten their physical, mental and social development. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-sectoral approach that includes education, healthcare, agriculture and social protection. With proper strategies such as school feeding programs, improved health services and community empowerment, it is possible to break the cycle of malnutrition. Investing in adolescent nutrition today is not only a health imperative but also a foundation for sustainable development and prosperity in the years to come.
