Progressive emaciation caused by lack of protein and calories is known as which condition?

• A. Kwashiorkor
• B. Irrigation
• C. Soil Exhaustion
• D. Marasmus

Answer: (D)

The concept here is marasmus, a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition. When both calories and protein are lacking, the body can’t meet its energy needs, so it starts breaking down its own tissues—muscle and fat—for energy. That leads to extreme wasting and a very thin, "skin and bones" appearance. Growth slows or stops, and there’s typically little or no swelling, which helps distinguish marasmus from other nutritional conditions.

By contrast, kwashiorkor comes mainly from protein deficiency with relatively adequate calories. It often shows edema (swollen belly and limbs), a fatty liver, and less pronounced wasting. The other choices don’t describe a human malnutrition condition at all—irrigation and soil exhaustion are farming terms related to water supply and soil nutrients, not health outcomes from diet.