There are currently multiple definitions of malnutrition. Some focus on only undernutrition, others include overweight and obesity, and some include energy and protein intake, while others look at micronutrient deficiencies. These varied definitions look at malnutrition from different perspectives that could be based on anthropometrics (measurements of body weight and size), medical imaging to assess muscle mass, markers of inflammation, and micronutrient deficiencies. There are a lot of factors to consider when defining malnutrition, such as insufficient intake, poor absorption, interactions between different nutrients, individual needs, medical conditions, and the effects of medications.[1]
The World Health Organization (WHO) includes 3 types of malnutrition in their definition: undernutrition, micronutrient-related malnutrition, and overweight and obesity (overnutrition). Undernutrition includes several subcategories of malnutrition, namely wasting (low weight for height), stunting (low height for age), and underweight (low weight for age). These categories are often noted in childhood development but can also apply to adults. Micronutrient-related malnutrition could refer either to a deficiency of certain nutrients due to insufficient intake or to an excessive intake of certain micronutrients. Lastly, overweight and obesity are a result of an excess intake of energy. In some cases, this can still involve micronutrient deficiencies. Some definitions of malnutrition also include health conditions — such as diabetes and heart disease — that can be a direct result of overweight or obesity.[2]
References
- ^Elia MDefining, Recognizing, and Reporting Malnutrition.Int J Low Extrem Wounds.(2017 Dec)
- ^Malnutrition; World Health Organization, cited 2024-09, updated 2024-03