Question

Which of the following is a type of malnutrition ?

• A. Undernutrition
• B. Overnutrition
• C. Both (A) and (B)
• D. None of these

Hint:

Do not confuse "malnutrition" with only starvation. The prefix "mal-" means "bad." Therefore, malnutrition means "bad nutrition," which can be either too little or too much.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term covers two broad groups of conditions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Malnutrition is a double-edged sword and includes both not getting enough nutrients and getting too many.
(A) Undernutrition: This is one type of malnutrition. It includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age), as well as micronutrient deficiencies. It is caused by not getting enough food or nutrients.
(B) Overnutrition: This is the other type of malnutrition. It is caused by consuming too many calories, which can lead to overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes).
Since malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition, the correct answer is (C).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both undernutrition and overnutrition are types of malnutrition.