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A longitudinal study on underfives of a periurban community was undertaken to study the magnitude of the problem and some important related factors. The extent of utilization and role of repeated clinic visits in the prevention of under nutrition was also studied. Results revealed that prevalence of under nutrition was 45.6% being maximum in the age group of 3-5 years and in males. Recurrent diarrhoea, dysentery and worm infestations were important reasons probably responsible for under- nutrition. Families with more than three siblings had a greater prevalence of undernourished under fives. 56.79% had more than two visits to the clinic. Repeated clinic visits could not improve the nutritional status of the underfives.