Can poverty affect the body growth?

Poverty can definately affect the body's growth or lack of growth. When there is insufficient funds to buy groceries, malnutrition is very possible. Without sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutritional elements, the body doesn't grow much and sometimes, doesn't grow at all. Sometimes, the lack of funds for groceries or food tends to mean that junk food is eaten rather than nutritional food. For one thing, it is cheaper and more accessible.

Something off the dollar menu at a fast food restaurant is far cheaper than a steak or substancial meal. Another thing is that when children or even adults eat junk food, that is what they crave. And, their energy levels become lethartic and they don't have the energy that is usually required to prepare a healthy meal. Junk food doesn't provide the nutritional requirements that are needed for healthy growth so that means the body doesn't grow properly.