Næringarleysi

Næringarleysi, also known as malnutrition, refers to a condition where the body does not receive adequate nutrients from food. This can manifest in two primary ways: undernutrition, which includes being underweight, too short for one's age, and too thin for one's height; and overnutrition, which involves being overweight, obese, or suffering from deficiencies in specific micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Undernutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. It can also impair cognitive development in children and reduce physical capacity in adults. Chronic undernutrition, particularly during critical growth periods, can have irreversible long-term health consequences.

Overnutrition, on the other hand, increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. While often associated with affluent societies, overnutrition can also occur in populations experiencing food insecurity if their diets are unbalanced and heavily reliant on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods.

The causes of næringarleysi are complex and can include poverty, inadequate access to healthy food, poor dietary choices, underlying medical conditions, and lack of education about nutrition. Addressing næringarleysi requires a multifaceted approach involving improved food security, public health initiatives, and individual education to promote balanced diets and healthy lifestyles.