Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a lack of enough energy, protein or nutrients for good health. It can affect children and adults, especially with illness, poverty or poor appetite.
Causes & risk factors
- Not eating enough or an unbalanced diet
- Long-term illness or infections
- Poor appetite in older age or during illness
- Problems with digestion or absorption
- Poverty and food insecurity
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- A balanced, calorie- and protein-rich diet
- Correcting specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Small, frequent, nourishing meals
- Treating any underlying illness
- Nutritional supplements or specialist feeding support when needed
When to see a doctor urgently
- Ongoing unexplained weight loss
- A child not growing or gaining weight
- Weakness, frequent infections or poor healing
- Swelling with poor intake (severe protein deficiency)
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about malnutrition. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone be overweight and malnourished?
Yes. Malnutrition means lacking the right nutrients, so a person can be overweight yet short of vitamins, minerals or protein from a poor-quality diet.
How is malnutrition treated?
By gradually restoring a balanced, energy- and protein-rich diet, correcting specific deficiencies, and treating the underlying cause, sometimes with supplements.
Explore more
MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.