Malnourished

Malnourished is a descriptor used for individuals whose intake of energy or nutrients is insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced to sustain health. The term encompasses undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, and may also apply to overnutrition when caused by an imbalanced diet. It can affect people of all ages, with especially serious effects on children, older adults, and those with chronic illness.

Common manifestations include stunting, wasting, and underweight in children; fatigue, weakness, and immune impairment in adults; and deficiencies that cause anemia, poor vision, or impaired development. In severe cases, edema and organ dysfunction may occur as seen in kwashiorkor and other forms of protein‑energy malnutrition.

Assessment relies on clinical observation, growth measurements in children, body mass index (BMI), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Laboratory tests may reveal micronutrient deficiencies. Diagnosis often considers dietary intake, health status, and socioeconomic factors.

Causes are multifactorial and include poverty, food insecurity, poor dietary quality, infectious diseases, chronic illness, malabsorption, and social or political disruption. Risk factors include young age, pregnancy, disability, and in some settings, limited access to health services.

Prevention and treatment focus on improving food security and diet quality, fortification and supplementation, and targeted feeding programs. Management of severe acute malnutrition involves medical care, ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), and close monitoring; mild to moderate cases may be treated through community-based programs. Addressing underlying illnesses and infection is essential for recovery.