Figure 2. The life course approach to child growth and development (reproduced from Child Health for all, 6 ^th Edition with permission from Oxford University Press).

Healthy (blue) and stunted (red) trajectories are shown, illustrating that lifelong health and function are particularly affected by early-life conditions, as well as risk and protective factors throughout life. This applies to linear growth, physical function and health as well as cognitive function and mental health. IYCF, infant and young child feeding.