Final answer:
Stunting is a health diagnosis commonly identified in children under 3 years old, marked by subnormal growth patterns and potentially indicative of chronic malnutrition or underlying health problems. It is diagnosed when a child's height is at least two standard deviations below the median for their age.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diagnosis most often made in children under 3 years old where the child is not growing in a normal fashion is stunting. Stunting is a growth deficit diagnosed in children who are significantly shorter than the average for their age, generally defined as being at least two standard deviations below the median height for their age in a reference population. This may indicate chronic malnutrition or other health issues.
Regular doctor visits monitor a baby's growth by measuring weight and length, comparing them to standardized growth charts. Babies not growing at a normal rate may be undernourished, which can potentially lead to permanent size deficits or contribute to obesity if the growth rate is excessively rapid.
Undernutrition is a pressing concern that can lead to various health issues including protein deficiency illnesses like kwashiorkor, or mental health disorders that affect eating habits like anorexia nervosa. Proper nutrition during childhood is vital for normal growth and development to avoid long-term health complications.