Nálg

Nälg is the Estonian word for hunger, referring to the physiological and psychological sensation that arises from a lack of sufficient food. In everyday language it also denotes situations of food insecurity or chronic undernourishment. The term is used in medical, social, and policy contexts to describe both short-term sensations and longer-term nutritional deficits.

Hunger arises when energy intake fails to meet energy expenditure. Physiologically, ghrelin and other signals trigger appetite, while low blood glucose and depleted fat stores can cause weakness, reduced concentration, and irritability. If insufficient calories persist, the body may conserve energy and shift metabolism, contributing to malnutrition.

Globally, hunger remains linked to poverty, conflict, climate variability, and unequal food distribution. The prevalence of undernourishment is a common metric used by international organizations to assess progress toward reducing hunger. Hunger can be episodic due to seasonal shortages or disasters, or chronic, affecting long-term health and development, especially in children.

Addressing hunger involves short-term relief such as food assistance and nutrition support, as well as longer-term approaches including poverty reduction, stable food systems, and social protection. Internationally, efforts are coordinated through frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including the goal to end hunger by 2030. Public health and humanitarian actors emphasize resilience, local production, and equitable access to nutritious foods.

See also: hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition, undernourishment, ghrelin, satiety, food aid.