E44: Protein-energy malnutrition of moderate and mild degree

E44.0: Moderate protein-energy malnutrition

Your body needs food in order to have enough energy, grow and stay healthy. Food is made up of various ingredients. For example, the body needs proteins to build up muscles and to be able to work properly. If you do not have enough food or individual nutritional components, you may lose weight and become emaciated. So you weigh less than is normal for your size.

There can be various reasons why there is a lack of nutrition or protein. For example, it may be the case that you are eating too little. But sometimes you may not be able to absorb food or proteins as well due to another disorder. It is also possible that you need more food or proteins than normal because of a disorder.