The Three Groups of Conditions Associated with Malnutrition

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of all deaths in children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. Malnutrition is a broad problem encompassing deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's nutrient intake.

Quick Summary

Malnutrition comprises three key groups of conditions: undernutrition, micronutrient-related issues, and overweight/obesity along with diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Key Points

Undernutrition: Insufficient intake of energy and protein, leading to conditions like wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age), and being underweight.
Micronutrient Malnutrition: Involves a deficit or surplus of essential vitamins and minerals, crucial for bodily functions.
Overweight and Obesity: Excessive intake of calories causing an unhealthy buildup of fat, often paired with diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
The Double Burden: Many regions face both undernutrition and obesity simultaneously, driven by complex nutritional and lifestyle factors.
Global Health Concern: Malnutrition affects all countries and demographics, increasing healthcare costs and hindering development.

Understanding the Spectrum of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a complex health issue defined by the body's failure to receive or absorb the proper amount of nutrients for optimal function. This can arise from a lack of nutrients, an overabundance, or an imbalance of certain vitamins and minerals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a framework that categorizes malnutrition into three major groups of conditions, reflecting this multifaceted nature. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies worldwide.

Group 1: Undernutrition

Undernutrition, resulting from insufficient intake of energy, protein, or other essential nutrients, is a major component of malnutrition, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. It is linked to nearly 45% of child deaths under five. For more details on the manifestations of undernutrition, including wasting, stunting, and underweight, you can refer to {Link: WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition}.

Group 2: Micronutrient-Related Malnutrition

This group encompasses both deficiencies and excesses of essential vitamins and minerals vital for growth and development. For more details on micronutrient deficiencies ('hidden hunger') and excesses, you can refer to {Link: WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition} and {Link: Childhope Philippines https://childhope.org.ph/malnutrition-in-children-overview/}.

Group 3: Overweight, Obesity, and Diet-Related Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

Malnutrition also includes conditions caused by excessive calorie intake, specifically overweight and obesity, which often occur alongside diet-related noncommunicable diseases. More information on overweight/obesity and diet-related NCDs can be found on {Link: WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition} and {Link: Childhope Philippines https://childhope.org.ph/malnutrition-in-children-overview/}.

Comparison of Malnutrition Conditions

For a detailed comparison of malnutrition conditions including Undernutrition, Micronutrient-related, and Overweight/Obesity & NCDs, you can refer to {Link: WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition}.

The Double Burden of Malnutrition

The coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity within the same population or even household is known as the 'double burden of malnutrition'. This complex situation can arise when individuals consume energy-dense, processed foods lacking essential micronutrients, combined with low physical activity.

Addressing Malnutrition: A Multifaceted Approach

Effective strategies to combat malnutrition require multi-sectoral actions. For undernutrition, interventions focus on food security, sanitation, and healthcare access. Micronutrient deficiencies are addressed through supplementation and food fortification. Combating overweight and obesity involves promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and policies to improve access to nutritious food.

The Role of Global Initiatives

Global initiatives, such as the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition, led by organizations like the WHO, aim to tackle all forms of malnutrition through policy commitments and actions to build resilient food systems and ensure access to healthy diets globally.

Conclusion: A Global Challenge Requiring Integrated Solutions

Malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition, micronutrient issues, and overweight/obesity, presents a critical global health challenge with widespread consequences known as the 'triple burden'. Its impact extends to public health, economic productivity, and social well-being. Recognizing that malnutrition involves not only deficiencies but also excesses and imbalances is essential for developing integrated solutions. Addressing this complex issue requires sustained, collaborative efforts focused on optimizing nutrition throughout life. For more information on global health initiatives, the World Health Organization website is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Undernutrition is the result of insufficient calorie and nutrient intake, leading to conditions like wasting and stunting. Overnutrition is caused by excessive calorie intake, resulting in overweight, obesity, and associated chronic diseases.

Yes. This is a form of the "double burden of malnutrition". An individual can consume too many calories, leading to overweight, but still be deficient in essential vitamins and minerals due to a poor diet.

'Hidden hunger' is another term for micronutrient deficiencies. It refers to a lack of vital vitamins and minerals, which may not have obvious symptoms but can severely impact health.

In children, malnutrition can cause wasting (thinness), stunting (shortness), and being underweight. These conditions can permanently affect physical growth, cognitive development, and increase the risk of disease.

Diet-related NCDs are chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers that are influenced by unhealthy dietary patterns. They are linked to the malnutrition condition of overweight and obesity.

Diagnosis involves various assessments, including physical examinations, anthropometric measurements (like BMI, weight, and height), and blood tests to check for nutrient deficiencies. Clinical guidelines, such as GLIM and WHO frameworks, are used to define criteria.

This type of malnutrition stems from imbalances in specific vitamins and minerals, often caused by diets lacking nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Supplementation misuse can also lead to excess.