A key indicator of chronic malnutrition is stunting - when children are too short for their age group compared to the WHO child growth standards. About 171 million children globally are stunted, according to 2010 figures, resulting from not enough food, a vitamin- and mineral-poor diet, inadequate child care and disease. As growth slows down, brain development lags and stunted children learn poorly. Stunting rates among children are highest in Africa and Asia. In south-central Asia 36% were affected as of 2010.
