What is malnutrition primarily characterized by?

Malnutrition is primarily characterized by a deficiency of proper nutrients, which can lead to a variety of health issues. This condition arises when an individual's diet lacks essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, or other nutrients necessary for optimal health and growth. Deficiencies can affect various bodily functions and can lead to symptoms ranging from fatigue and weight loss to more severe health complications, including impaired immune response and developmental delays in children.

In contrast, excessive caloric intake, high sugar diets, and obesity refer to different aspects of nutritional imbalances that do not specifically address the deficiency component inherent in malnutrition. For example, while obesity may result from an excess of calories, it does not encapsulate the potential lack of necessary nutrients. Overall, the defining feature of malnutrition is the inadequate intake of critical nutrients that the body needs, making "deficiency of proper nutrients" the correct characterization.