Malnutrition

/ˌmæl.nəˈtrɪʃ.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A condition resulting from a diet in which nutrients are not sufficient or are poorly balanced, leading to physical and health problems.

The doctor diagnosed her with malnutrition due to her unbalanced diet and lack of essential vitamins.

The lack of proper nutrition that can result from an inadequate or unbalanced diet or from a medical condition.

The report highlighted the alarming rates of malnutrition among children in developing countries.

Malnutrition can manifest as undernutrition or overnutrition, both of which can have serious health implications.

Efforts to combat malnutrition include initiatives for both food security and education about healthy eating.

Malnutrition is often associated with poverty, as low-income families may struggle to afford nutritious foods.

Government programs aim to reduce malnutrition by providing free meals to low-income students.

From the Latin 'malus' meaning 'bad' and 'nutritio' meaning 'nourishment'.

food insecurity

The state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

dietary deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients in the diet that can lead to malnutrition.

nutritional imbalance

An unequal distribution of nutrients in food which may lead to malnutrition.

undernutrition

A form of malnutrition characterized by inadequate caloric intake.

overnutrition

A form of malnutrition where there is excessive nutrient intake, often leading to obesity.

Skimping on meals

He was skimping on meals, leading to obvious signs of malnutrition.

Food deserts

Living in a food desert can lead to increased malnutrition among residents.