When a child’s energy intake is insufficient, the needs of the body for energy are met by mobilising tissue reserves of fat and protein from muscle, skin, and gut. Physiological and metabolic changes also take place to conserve energy. These changes take place in an orderly progression called reductive adaptation.

The body of a severely malnourished child tries to keep the essential organs working by reducing the amount of energy used by the body. Click each body part to find out how this is achieved. Think about how each is achieved before checking the answer.

If you are ready to find out the consequences of reductive adaptation, go back to the Unit menu and start Section 3.