Global hunger has been on the decline for decades, and millions of lives have been saved as a result of technological and agricultural innovation throughout the developing world.

But even here in the United States, millions suffer from malnutrition. A recent study by Abbott, the health care company, estimated disease associated with malnutrition costs the U.S. $15.5 billion a year.

Health care providers, state governments and the federal government bear the cost of a myriad of diseases linked to malnutrition.

The condition most commonly linked to poor nutrition is dementia, which accounted for more than half the total cost of malnutrition. The study found that the decline in cognitive function costs the country more than $8 billion a year.

The study also found that breast cancer linked to malnutrition costs $76 million a year.

Unsurprisingly, the states with the greatest population size are facing the greatest problems linked to malnutrition. California’s estimated cost was $1.7 billion, whereas sparsely populated Wyoming’s was roughly $25 million.

Per capita, however, Washington, D.C., spends the most: $65 per capita. That is not surprising either, considering the high poverty rate in our nation’s capital.

The relatively prosperous state of Utah spends the least per capita: $35.

Malnutrition is often misunderstood as synonymous with a lack of food. In fact, the condition can affect people who are greatly overweight, but whose diets do not include critical nutrients.

"Malnutrition often is unrecognized, particularly in obese individuals which is a growing segment of our population. This is particularly problematic when it accompanies many chronic diseases," Dr. Carol Braunschweig, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois-Chicago and one of the study authors, said in a statement.

Fixing the problem, suggests the study, must involve health care professionals counseling patients on proper nutrition.

Instant Insights /

Malnutrition costs the U.S. $15.5 billion a year

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