wellnourished

Wellnourished is a term used to describe an individual whose nutritional status indicates adequate intake of energy and essential nutrients to support healthy growth, development, and functioning. It implies sufficient macronutrient balance and adequate micronutrient stores, and the absence of clinically significant nutrient deficiencies or excesses over a period of time.

Assessment of wellnourished status relies on multiple measures. In individuals, anthropometric indicators such as body weight relative to height or age, body mass index, and mid-upper arm circumference are commonly used, along with dietary intake assessments and laboratory biomarkers (for example hemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin D, iodine, and folate) to detect deficiencies. Clinical examination for signs of deficiency may supplement laboratory data. In populations, surveillance tracks rates of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight) and overnutrition (overweight and obesity), while micronutrient adequacy and dietary diversity are monitored to gauge overall wellnourished status.

Context and limitations: Wellnourished is a dynamic state influenced by disease, infections, pregnancy, life stage, and socioeconomic factors. Acute illness can temporarily alter nutritional status and biomarker levels; inflammation can affect certain indicators, requiring contextual interpretation. Dietary quality, not just caloric intake, determines long-term wellnourished status.

Public health perspective: Achieving wellnourished populations involves secure access to sufficient and safe foods, fortification and supplementation when needed, promotion of diverse diets, and addressing the social determinants of health. The term is often used in contrast to undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.