Kathmandu, Jan. 23 -- A growing trend of consuming packaged and processed foods, which nutritionists term 'junk', could have worsened overall nutrition, including in the Sudurpaschim province, according to public health experts and nutritionists.

They say malnutrition is not only a problem of not getting enough to eat, but also of lacking nutritious food, low awareness of locally available food options, and growing preference for unhealthy snacks among children.

"The problem has been reported from Sudurpaschim province only because a study was carried out there," said Dr Sudha Shree Adhikari, a nutritionist. "If similar studies are done in other provinces-Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali, and others-such problems will likely be found there as ...