What is meant by malnutrition quizlet?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Globally, nearly half of all deaths in children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. Malnutrition, a broad and complex condition, is accurately defined on Quizlet as any deficiency, excess, or imbalance in a person's intake of energy and nutrients. This definition encompasses far more than just starvation and includes a range of dietary issues.

Quick Summary

Malnutrition refers to an imbalance in a person's energy and nutrient intake, which can manifest as either undernutrition (deficiency) or overnutrition (excess). This guide provides a clear breakdown of the different types, causes, symptoms, and impacts, echoing the core learning concepts found on Quizlet.

Key Points

Broad Definition: Malnutrition includes both insufficient nutrient intake (undernutrition) and excessive intake (overnutrition), as well as nutrient imbalances.
Undernutrition Forms: There are four main types of undernutrition: wasting, stunting, being underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Overnutrition Impact: Excessive intake of nutrients can lead to overweight, obesity, and associated non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Diverse Causes: Malnutrition is caused by a range of factors, including socioeconomic status, medical conditions, increased nutritional needs, and psychological issues.
Varied Symptoms: Symptoms differ between undernutrition (weight loss, fatigue) and overnutrition (obesity), but both can involve a lack of specific micronutrients.
Two Severe Types: Marasmus results from extreme calorie deficiency, causing severe wasting, while Kwashiorkor results from severe protein deficiency, causing edema and a swollen belly.
Dual Burden: The "double burden of malnutrition" refers to communities experiencing both undernutrition and overnutrition at the same time, often seen in developing countries.

Understanding the Broad Definition of Malnutrition

When exploring 'what is meant by malnutrition quizlet', one finds a definition that goes beyond the common perception of insufficient food intake. Educational resources and organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) explain that malnutrition encompasses three broad conditions: undernutrition, micronutrient-related malnutrition, and overnutrition. This expanded definition acknowledges that health problems can arise from having too few nutrients, too many, or an improper balance of them. This is a crucial concept for students and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of nutritional health.

Undernutrition: Not Enough

Undernutrition occurs when a person does not consume enough energy and nutrients. It includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age), being underweight (low weight-for-age), and micronutrient deficiencies (lack of essential vitamins and minerals).

Overnutrition: Too Much

Overnutrition results from consuming more calories and nutrients than the body needs, leading to excess body fat and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases. This includes being overweight or obese.

The Types of Malnutrition Explained (Quizlet Style)

Key malnutrition concepts include any condition caused by a dietary imbalance. Specific severe forms of undernutrition include Kwashiorkor, characterized by a swollen belly, and Marasmus, involving severe wasting of fat and muscle tissue. Nutrient imbalance refers to diets high in calories but low in essential nutrients.

Causes and Risk Factors of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is influenced by various factors. These include socioeconomic issues like poverty and limited access to nutritious food, medical conditions affecting appetite or absorption, increased nutritional needs during certain life stages or illnesses, mental health problems impacting eating habits, and age or lifestyle factors.

Signs, Symptoms, and Consequences

Symptoms of undernutrition can include unintentional weight loss, loss of muscle mass and body fat, fatigue, increased risk of infection, slow wound healing, and poor concentration. In children, it can lead to stunted growth. Overnutrition signs include being overweight or obese and an increased risk of chronic diseases, sometimes with concurrent micronutrient deficiencies.

Comparison: Marasmus vs. Kwashiorkor

This table outlines the key differences between two severe forms of protein-energy undernutrition, a common point of comparison in study materials like Quizlet.


Feature	Marasmus	Kwashiorkor
Primary Deficiency	Severe deficiency in total calories and energy	Severe deficiency in protein intake with relatively adequate energy intake
Appearance	Wasted, emaciated appearance; often described as 'skin and bones'	Edema (swelling) in the extremities and face, giving a 'puffy' look; a swollen belly
Weight	Significantly underweight for age	Can have deceptively normal weight or be underweight, but not as profoundly as marasmus
Muscle Wasting	Severe muscle and subcutaneous fat wasting	Muscle wasting may be masked by edema
Hair/Skin	Thin, brittle hair and dry, inelastic skin	Changes in hair color and texture; skin lesions

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Treating undernutrition often involves nutritional support with therapeutic foods and addressing underlying medical conditions. Treatment for overnutrition focuses on dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral support. Prevention requires addressing root causes like food insecurity, improving nutrition education, and global efforts to ensure access to healthy diets {Link: World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/malnutrition}.

Conclusion: The Global Importance of Understanding Malnutrition

Understanding malnutrition as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in nutrient intake, as captured by educational resources and organizations like the WHO, is crucial. This broad definition highlights that malnutrition is a complex global problem affecting countries worldwide, encompassing issues like obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. A comprehensive understanding is vital for addressing this issue through targeted interventions, public health policies, and personal choices.",

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a person can be overweight or obese and still be malnourished. This happens when their diet provides too many calories but lacks sufficient essential vitamins and minerals, a condition known as the 'double burden of malnutrition'.

Stunting is low height-for-age, caused by chronic undernutrition over a long period. Wasting is low weight-for-height, indicating recent and severe weight loss.

Globally, some of the most common and critical micronutrient deficiencies include iron, iodine, and vitamin A. A lack of these can have serious developmental and health consequences.

No, malnutrition affects people in every country, both developed and developing. Factors like poor dietary choices, access to food, and medical conditions contribute to malnutrition across the globe.

A variety of medical conditions can cause malnutrition, including cancer, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, and mental health issues like depression or dementia, which affect appetite and nutrient absorption.

Severe undernutrition is often treated with nutritional supplements and therapeutic foods under close medical supervision to prevent complications like refeeding syndrome. Underlying infections or medical conditions are also addressed.

Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal shift in fluids and electrolytes that can happen when a severely malnourished person is re-fed too quickly. It requires careful medical management to prevent serious complications.

Prevention involves ensuring access to a balanced and varied diet, improving nutrition education, and addressing socioeconomic factors that limit food security. For those with special needs, medical monitoring is important.