Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs MarasmusUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewMarasmus is a condition of severe malnutrition from lack of calories. It includes muscle and fat wasting, which the body breaks down for energy. It can result in death. Marasmus often occurs in infants but can occur in adults, too.TreatmentsTreatment typically includes a gradual increase in fluids and food over a period of up to several weeks. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use