Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:-
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report (2024) revealed that 733 million people faced malnutrition in 2023 — an increase of 152 million since 2019. This trend is linked to food price dynamics. In 2022, the World Bank estimated that a 1% rise in global food prices could push 10 million people into extreme poverty. Rising food costs and inequality have intensified “hidden hunger,” affecting at least 2.8 billion people in 2022 alone. Hidden hunger is a deficiency of essential micronutrients like zinc, iodine, and iron.
The signs of this form of malnutrition are “hidden” as individuals may appear healthy while suffering severe health impacts. Clinical signs emerge only in extreme cases. Traditionally linked to caloric deficiency, hunger is now recognized to include micronutrient inadequacy, which can harm health even without overt signs of disease. The Food Security and Nutrition report highlights that while it may seem intuitive that food-insecure individuals are less likely to maintain a healthy diet, the relationship is complex, shaped by factors like food environments, consumer behavior, and the affordability of nutritious foods.
In some cases, food insecurity is linked to lower consumption of all food types and a higher reliance on staple foods for dietary energy. In others, it can be associated with reduced intake of nutritious foods and increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. As a result, food insecurity and “hidden hunger” can result not only in undernutrition but can also lead to overweight and obesity.
What is the primary distinction between "hidden hunger" and traditional caloric deficiency?
Correct Answer :
Hidden hunger involves not so obvious micronutrient deficiencies, while caloric deficiency has visible symptoms.
Solution :
The correct option is: Hidden hunger involves not so obvious micronutrient deficiencies, while caloric deficiency has visible symptoms.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Identify the Definition of Hidden Hunger from the Passage:
According to the passage, "Hidden hunger is a deficiency of essential micronutrients like zinc, iodine, and iron." The text further explains that the signs of this form of malnutrition are “hidden” because individuals may appear healthy on the outside, and clinical signs emerge only in extreme cases.
2. Analyze the Contrast with Traditional Caloric Deficiency:
The passage contrasts this by stating that hunger was "traditionally linked to caloric deficiency," whereas hidden hunger (micronutrient inadequacy) can harm health "even without overt signs of disease." This indicates that caloric deficiency typically displays more overt or visible signs, whereas hidden hunger does not present obvious symptoms.
3. Evaluate the Options:
The option stating that "Hidden hunger involves not so obvious micronutrient deficiencies, while caloric deficiency has visible symptoms" perfectly aligns with the details provided in the passage, making it the correct distinction.
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