Knowra Malnutrition Malnutrition Malnutrition is impaired health or body function caused by insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced intake of energy or nutrients. It includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight or obesity.
Undernutrition : A form of malnutrition caused by insufficient energy or nutrient intake, poor absorption, or excessive nutrient loss. It covers the inadequate-intake branch, including wasting, stunting, and underweight.
Body mass index : A measure calculated from weight and height, used to classify weight status in populations and individuals. It can flag weight-related risk, though it does not diagnose every form of malnutrition.
Food insecurity : Limited or uncertain access to enough safe, nutritious food for an active, healthy life. It can restrict dietary quantity and quality, increasing malnutrition risk.
Stunting : Impaired linear growth in children, commonly assessed as low height for age. Chronic undernutrition during childhood can limit growth and development.
Overnutrition : A form of malnutrition caused by excessive intake of energy or particular nutrients. It separates excess intake from deficiency while remaining within malnutrition.
Micronutrient deficiency : A shortage of essential vitamins or minerals that impairs normal physiological processes. Specific shortages can damage health even when energy intake is adequate.
Mid-upper arm circumference : A measurement around the upper arm used to assess nutritional status, especially in children. It helps identify acute undernutrition where reliable scales may be unavailable.
Malabsorption : Impaired absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract into the body. Adequate intake may still fail to meet needs when absorption is impaired.
Wasting : Low weight for height in children, often reflecting recent or acute weight loss. It signals acute nutritional stress and elevated health risks.
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool : A screening tool that assesses malnutrition risk using body mass index, weight loss, and acute illness effects. It operationalizes risk classification in adult healthcare settings.
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