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Why are the bellies of starving children always heavily swollen?

Mark Sterling
Mark Sterling
Research Editor · Jan 16, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

It's a disease called Kwashiorkor, which is caused by a deficiency in protein intake. Sufferers are getting enough calories, but usually almost entirely in the form of carbohydrates. _URL_0_

29
Words

1 min
Read Time

#401
of 500 in Space & Astronomy

-57%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

It's a disease called Kwashiorkor, which is caused by a deficiency in protein intake. Sufferers are getting enough calories, but usually almost entirely in the form of carbohydrates. _URL_0_

Analysis

Key Concepts: It's, disease, called

This explanation focuses on it's, disease, called and spans 29 words across 3 sentences. At 57% below the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “It's a disease called Kwashiorkor, which is caused by a deficiency in protein intake.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.

How This Compares in Space & Astronomy

Ranked #401 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 81%). This is a brief primer — the answer is intentionally short. For questions with a single core mechanism, brevity can actually be a strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why the bellies of starving children always heavily swollen?

It's a disease called Kwashiorkor, which is caused by a deficiency in protein intake. Sufferers are getting enough calories, but usually almost entirely in the form of carbohydrates. _URL_0_

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?

This is a brief answer at 29 words, ranked #401 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are it's, disease, called.

What approach does this answer take to explain the bellies of starving children always heavily swollen?

The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 29 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.