What defines malnutrition?

Malnutrition is defined as an imbalanced diet that negatively impacts health, which aligns with the selected choice. This encompasses both undernutrition, where there is inadequate intake of essential nutrients, and overnutrition, where excessive intake of certain foods leads to health issues. Such an imbalance can manifest in various forms, including micronutrient deficiencies, overconsumption of calories, or a disproportionate intake of macronutrients. Understanding malnutrition in this way highlights the importance of dietary diversity and the need for a balanced intake of nutrients to maintain overall health.

In contrast, while a balance of all food groups is important for health, simply having a balance does not guarantee that nutritional needs are met, especially if portion sizes or specific nutrient ratios are inappropriate. Excessive caloric intake can lead to overnutrition, which is one aspect of malnutrition, but it does not fully encompass the concept. Lack of physical activity is a different issue related to overall health and wellness but is not a direct definition of malnutrition itself.