Master Marasmus in Biology-clear causes, symptoms, treatment, and more. Boost your grades with Vedantu’s expert insights. Marasmus is a form of malnutrition . Symptoms of marasmus include wasting, or the loss of body fat and muscle. A child with marasmus may not grow as children usually do and experience stunted... Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition that affects children and adults. It can lead to weight loss, stunted growth, infections, and organ failure if untreated. Learn how to prevent and treat marasmus with WebMD. SAM is clinically categorized into 2 primary forms: marasmus, caused by an overall calorie deficiency, and kwashiorkor, primarily due to severe dietary protein deficiency despite adequate or near-adequate energy intake. A mixed form, marasmic -kwashiorkor, may also occur, combining features of both.