Which nutritional disorder directly indicates current malnutrition?

Wasting is a key indicator of current malnutrition and is characterized by a significant loss of body weight in relation to height, often due to a severe shortage of nutrients. It typically reflects acute malnutrition and can occur due to inadequate intake of calories and essential nutrients, illness, or stress factors. Wasting occurs when a child's body does not have sufficient energy reserves to support growth or maintain bodily functions, making it a direct indication of an individual's nutritional status at a specific point in time.

In contrast, stunting, while also a sign of poor nutritional status, is a chronic condition that reflects long-term nutrient deficiency and has lasting impacts on growth and development. Underweight can signify both wasting and stunting but does not specifically indicate acute malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition related to protein deficiency and is indicative of prolonged nutritional inadequacy rather than a current state of acute malnutrition. Therefore, wasting stands out as the most direct indicator of current malnutrition.