Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Malnutrition is a condition that results from eating a diet in which one or more nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that it causes health problems.
Related terms
Undernutrition: This is when the body doesn't get enough nutrients. It's like trying to drive a car on an almost empty tank of gas.
Overnutrition: This happens when the intake of nutrients is oversupplied. It's like overfilling your car with gas until it spills out.
Micronutrient deficiency: This occurs when the body lacks necessary vitamins and minerals. It's like forgetting to change the oil in your car; everything might seem fine at first but eventually problems will arise.