Why does a child suffering from kwashiorkor have a protruded belly?

A child suffering from kwashiorkor has a protruded belly primarily due to edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This condition results from a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, leading to imbalanced osmotic pressure in the blood vessels. As a result, fluids leak into the abdominal cavity and surrounding tissues, causing the belly to swell. Additionally, liver enlargement, often seen in kwashiorkor, can contribute to the distended appearance.