What does it mean to be undernourished?

To be undernourished means consuming insufficient food to maintain a healthful body weight. This condition can arise from a lack of essential nutrients and energy, which can lead to various health problems. When an individual does not receive enough calories or the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, their body cannot function optimally. This can hinder physical development, weaken the immune system, and lead to lethargy or more severe health issues over time.

In this context, being undernourished focuses specifically on inadequate food intake and the consequences of such dietary habits, distinguishing it from other eating patterns that may not address a nutrient deficit. A balanced diet sufficient for health supports physical and mental well-being, while excessive food intake leading to obesity indicates overconsumption, not undernourishment. Similarly, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally beneficial but does not directly relate to the definition of being undernourished if it doesn't provide adequate caloric intake or nutritional diversity.