Final answer:
It is true that people in the United States are more at risk for overnutrition than undernutrition. The term malnutrition encompasses both insufficient and excessive nutrient intake, but overnutrition, leading to obesity and its associated health issues, is now the more prevalent issue in the U.S., despite its wealth and overall food availability. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
People in the United States today are more at risk for overnutrition than undernutrition, which is true. Malnutrition refers to both undernutrition and overnutrition, both of which can lead to health issues. However, in the United States, a country known for its wealth, the primary nutritional problem is overnutrition, typically resulting from an excess of energy intake paired with insufficient physical activity.
This can lead to obesity, a condition associated with numerous health problems such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
While undernutrition does occur in the United States due to socioeconomic disparities and the existence of food deserts, it is less common than overnutrition. The conditions in food deserts, areas with limited access to nutritious foods, often result in people relying on processed foods or fast food which are high in fats and sugars. This dietary pattern can increase the risk of obesity—even when food is plentiful in the country overall.