Nutrition expert and development professional Basanta Kumar Kar, popularly known as the ‘Nutrition Man of India’, has launched his latest book, Malnutrition: Fed or Misled? The Truth Beyond Food. Released on August 28, the book seeks to challenge conventional understanding of malnutrition and encourage readers to rethink the meaning of nourishment and healthy living.
The book argues that malnutrition is not limited to hunger or inadequate food intake. It can affect people across age groups and income levels, ranging from children suffering from stunting and pregnant women with anaemia to adolescents facing obesity and adults consuming diets dominated by ultra-processed foods.
Drawing on scientific research, public health, history, policy, field experiences and global evidence, Kar examines the multiple forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. The book also explores the wider factors shaping nutritional outcomes, such as food systems, sanitation, infections, agriculture, climate change, food marketing and nutrition misinformation.
According to the author, eating enough does not necessarily mean being adequately nourished. The book highlights how poor nutrition can have consequences extending beyond individual health, affecting learning, productivity, economies and future generations.
The launch comes at a significant time as India observes Poshan Maah, an annual campaign focused on creating awareness about nutrition and promoting healthier lifestyles. The book positions itself as a practical and thought-provoking guide for healthcare professionals, students, policymakers, educators and consumers seeking to make informed food and lifestyle choices.
Kar has played an important role in India’s POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission) and has led major food and nutrition programmes across South and Southeast Asia, besides providing strategic advisory support in Africa. He has received several accolades for his contributions to nutrition and sustainable development.