Guide To The Causes And Symptoms Of Kwashiorkor

Loss Of Muscle Mass

Even as some parts of the kwashiorkor patient's body swell from excess fluids, others shrink and become emaciated. Without sufficient protein to build muscles, the body metabolizes muscle and fat faster than it can restore them, leaving individuals with a skin-and-bone appearance. This is especially noticeable in the arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. Combined with edema, this produces the classic image of someone severely affected by famine: swollen belly but sunken chest and scrawny limbs. The loss of muscle mass further causes the patient to become weak and lethargic. This can make the patient unable to move or feed themselves, further worsening the disease.

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