Final answer:
The three general categories of nutritional status are undernutrition, malnutrition, and overnutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three general categories of nutritional status are undernutrition, malnutrition, and overnutrition.
Undernutrition refers to an insufficient intake of nutritious foods, leading to being underweight. Malnutrition encompasses poor nutritional status due to inadequate or imbalanced nutrient intake. Overnutrition, on the other hand, refers to an excess intake of nutrients, often resulting in overweight or obesity.
These categories are important to consider as they can have significant effects on a person's health and well-being. For example, undernutrition can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weakened immune system, while overnutrition can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.