What is the likely symptom when a child suffers from acute protein-energy malnutrition?

In cases of acute protein-energy malnutrition, a common symptom observed in affected children is an emaciated appearance. This condition arises due to a significant deficiency in calories and protein, leading to the body's inability to maintain essential physiological functions, resulting in muscle wasting and fat loss. The child's body begins to use stored fat and muscle proteins as energy sources, leading to a drastic reduction in body mass.

The emaciated appearance is typically characterized by prominent bones, decreased subcutaneous fat, and noticeable muscle wasting. Unlike chronic malnutrition, which might display a range of symptoms including stunted growth and development issues but can also involve height below the expected percentile, acute malnutrition manifests more visibly with an immediate reduction in body weight and muscle mass, regardless of height.

This emaciated appearance provides a clear visual sign of malnutrition and serves as a critical diagnostic marker for healthcare providers assessing a child's nutritional status.