Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions. One is ‘undernutrition’—which includes low body weight for height, muscle wasting and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer). – (Adapted from WHO)

Please click on the arrows to find out about the prevalence of malnutrition in older persons.