Malnutrition Overview.
There are two main types of malnutrition: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition occurs when a person does not get enough essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which can lead to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and even death. Overnutrition, on the other hand, occurs when a person consumes too many calories or nutrients, leading to obesity and other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Malnutrition can be caused by various factors, including poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and poor dietary habits. It can also be exacerbated by disease, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Preventing malnutrition requires a combination of approaches, including improving access to nutritious foods, promoting healthy dietary habits, providing medical care and education, and addressing social and economic factors that contribute to malnutrition. Treatment may include nutritional counseling, dietary supplements, and in severe cases, hospitalization and medical intervention.