Final answer:
Marasmus, a form of protein-energy malnutrition, includes symptoms of muscle wasting, low body temperature, anemia, and dehydration and occurs due to extremely low intake of dietary energy and protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical Symptoms of Marasmus
Marasmus is a form of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by severe undernutrition due to extremely low intakes of dietary energy and protein. Common physical symptoms of marasmus include muscle wasting, low body temperature, anemia, dehydration, weak pulse, and cold extremities. This severe wasting of body mass leads to a gaunt appearance with almost no subcutaneous fat, giving the limbs a stick-like appearance and the face a characteristically aged look. Children suffering from marasmus often display growth ret-ardation and may experience chronic diarrhea. Without adequate intake of proteins and calories, the body starts consuming muscle and fat stores leading to severe malnourishment, this can lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly and effectively.
Marasmus represents a critical state of energy deficiency; it is a condition often seen in areas of famine, in populations with limited access to a balanced diet, or in children that rely solely on highly diluted milk or are deprived of adequate weaning foods. A diverse diet with adequate sources of protein is essential to prevent marasmus and other forms of malnutrition.