Which factors place a person at the greatest risk of malnutrition?

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, every country worldwide is affected by one or more forms of malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition. Recognizing the specific factors that increase an individual's vulnerability is the first step toward effective prevention and intervention.

Quick Summary

Malnutrition risk is complex, influenced by socioeconomic conditions, life stage, chronic diseases, and mental health. Identifying these interconnected factors is key to addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition for better health outcomes.

Key Points

Age and Life Stage: Older adults, infants, and pregnant women have unique vulnerabilities due to changing nutritional needs, mobility challenges, and chronic health conditions.
Socioeconomic Status: Poverty, food insecurity, and low educational levels are primary drivers of malnutrition by restricting access to sufficient and nutritious food.
Chronic and Acute Illnesses: Diseases like cancer, dementia, and digestive disorders (Crohn's, celiac) disrupt appetite, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, significantly increasing risk.
Mental Health: Conditions such as depression, eating disorders, and social isolation can lead to reduced appetite and motivation to eat, impacting nutritional intake.
Environmental and Systemic Barriers: Issues like poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate healthcare access contribute to infections that worsen nutritional status, especially in children.
Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause appetite loss, nausea, or altered nutrient absorption, contributing to malnutrition over time.

Malnutrition is a complex health issue that is more than just a lack of food; it involves an imbalance in nutrient intake, which can include deficiencies, excesses, or an improper balance of essential nutrients. While it is a significant problem in developing countries, certain populations in wealthy nations are also at high risk due to a variety of intertwined factors. A holistic understanding of these risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Demographic and Life Stage Factors

Age and life stage are among the most significant determinants of malnutrition risk. Nutritional needs and vulnerabilities change throughout a person's life, placing certain groups at particular risk.

Older Adults

Older adults face a heightened risk of malnutrition for several reasons, including reduced appetite often linked to decreased sense of taste and smell, loneliness, or depression. Physical disabilities can make food preparation and shopping challenging. The prevalence of chronic conditions like cancer and dementia also increases with age, impacting appetite and metabolism. Dental problems can further hinder eating.

Children

Infants, young children, and adolescents are vulnerable due to high nutritional needs for growth. Low birth weight is a disadvantage. Frequent infections increase nutrient demands, and poor maternal nutrition or inadequate feeding practices contribute to undernutrition.

Other At-Risk Groups

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased nutrient needs.
Hospitalized patients, especially with chronic diseases, are also at risk.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors

An individual's environment and socioeconomic status play a critical role. Poverty and low income are major causes of undernutrition and food insecurity globally and in developed countries, making healthy food expensive. Food insecurity can also lead to overnutrition by limiting access to nutritious options. Social isolation can reduce the motivation to eat. Poor sanitation increases infection risk, impairing nutrient absorption, and lack of nutritional education can lead to poor dietary choices.

Medical and Health-Related Conditions

Underlying medical conditions significantly disrupt nutritional balance.

Chronic and Severe Illnesses

Chronic conditions such as cancer, liver disease, COPD, and chronic pain can suppress appetite or increase nutrient needs. Digestive and malabsorption disorders like Crohn's disease and celiac disease hinder nutrient absorption. Substance use disorders, particularly alcohol abuse, can impair digestion and absorption.

Psychological and Mental Health Risks

Depression and dementia can cause loss of appetite and neglect of eating.
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia directly involve unhealthy eating behaviors.
Binge eating can lead to overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications cause side effects like nausea or loss of appetite that impact nutrient intake.

Comparison of Key Malnutrition Risk Factors by Life Stage


Risk Factor	Children	Older Adults
Socioeconomic Status	High prevalence among low-income families and areas with food insecurity; affects access to adequate nutrition.	Poverty can limit access to healthy food, especially for those with fixed incomes.
Infection & Disease	Frequent illness (e.g., diarrhea, measles) rapidly depletes nutrients and increases mortality risk.	Chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, dementia, COPD) suppress appetite and affect metabolism.
Physical & Biological	Requires very high nutrient intake for rapid growth and development; small reserves are quickly depleted.	Reduced appetite, impaired taste/smell, and physical disabilities limit food intake and preparation.
Psychological & Social	Vulnerable to poor feeding practices, neglect, and food insecurity at the household level.	Depression, social isolation, and loss of a spouse can reduce motivation to eat.
Gastrointestinal Health	Can suffer from malabsorption due to frequent infections or congenital issues.	Conditions like Crohn's disease and age-related changes can impede nutrient absorption.

Conclusion

Identifying the factors that place a person at the greatest risk of malnutrition involves recognizing a complex web of interconnected issues. Poverty and food insecurity are significant drivers, but risks are compounded by life stage, health conditions, and psychological well-being. Effective intervention requires comprehensive, multi-faceted approaches addressing public health, education, and social support. Early detection and a holistic approach, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, are crucial in combating this challenge.

To learn more about global malnutrition challenges, explore the World Health Organization's initiatives on malnutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Undernutrition is a deficiency of calories, protein, and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Overnutrition, also a form of malnutrition, is the excessive intake of nutrients, often leading to obesity and associated health problems.

Chronic illnesses, such as cancer and COPD, can suppress appetite, affect nutrient metabolism, and increase the body's energy requirements. Conditions like Crohn's disease directly impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food.

Older adults face increased risks due to factors including reduced appetite, difficulty with chewing or swallowing, social isolation, chronic medical conditions, and mobility issues that hinder food access.

Yes, a person can be overweight and malnourished simultaneously, a phenomenon known as the 'double burden of malnutrition'. This occurs when someone consumes too many calories but lacks essential vitamins and minerals, often due to a diet of cheap, energy-dense, but nutrient-poor foods.

Poverty significantly increases malnutrition risk by limiting access to affordable, nutritious foods. Low-income families are more likely to experience food insecurity, leading to suboptimal diets and potentially both undernutrition and overnutrition.

Mental health conditions like depression, dementia, and eating disorders can lead to a loss of appetite, an inability to focus on eating, or an aversion to food, all of which result in a reduced intake of necessary nutrients.

Prevention involves multi-faceted strategies, including improved access to nutritious food, promoting nutritional education, increasing social support, early screening and treatment of chronic diseases, and addressing socioeconomic barriers.