What does malnutrition refer to?

Malnutrition refers to a condition that arises from an imbalanced diet, which can include both undernutrition and overnutrition. It encompasses a wide range of dietary deficiencies, excesses, and imbalances that affect health and well-being. When someone's diet does not provide the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, it can lead to various health issues, such as stunted growth, weakened immune response, and chronic diseases.

While a lack of appetite can contribute to malnutrition since it may result in inadequate nutrient intake, it is not a definition of malnutrition itself but rather a potential symptom. Malnutrition is also not limited to a specific disease caused by pathogens; instead, it is a broader term that captures how dietary habits can impact overall health. Additionally, focusing solely on a deficiency of a single nutrient does not encompass the full scope of malnutrition, as it can often involve multiple nutrients and require a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's dietary patterns. Thus, an imbalanced diet is the central concept that defines malnutrition.