Last among the least and unfortunate people: grass root level nutritional status in Malda District (W.B)

Nutritional status of human population is one of the important indicators of ‘human good’ and ‘social well being’ as well as ‘Human Development’. Deficiency of certain vital nutrients in the human diet is responsible for occurrence of malnutrition in human health. Malnutrition effects the growth and development of physical health, mood behaviour and malfunctioning in the body. Present research endeavours to assess the nutritional status of people based on qualitative and quantitative data collected through field observation and direct interaction with local people. Body Mass Index (BMI) and upper arm circumference have been analysed and used as toolkits for further assessment of nutritional status. About 24 percent adult people and 57 percent of children are reported to be underweight.