Final answer:
Unbalanced nutrition is a type of malnutrition characterized by an excess or deficiency of certain nutrients, which can lead to health issues. It can affect those with both inadequate and excessive food intake. Understanding BMI is essential to identify undernutrition and obesity, which are on opposite spectrums of malnutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Unbalanced Nutrition
Unbalanced nutrition is a form of malnutrition where there is a disproportionate intake of nutrients. It is not only limited to insufficient intake but can also result from excessive consumption of certain nutrients. For instance, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to blindness, whereas an excessive intake might cause toxicity. Similarly, calcium deficiency may result in conditions like osteoporosis, and too much calcium can lead to the formation of kidney stones. It's important to note that unbalanced nutrition can occur in individuals with adequate or even excessive food consumption, highlighting that malnutrition is not exclusive to undernourished populations.
Malnutrition and Body Mass Index (BMI)
Undernutrition, a subset of malnutrition, is characterized by insufficient nutritious food intake, leading to low body fat reserves and a low BMI. Adults with a BMI less than 18.5 kg/m² and children below the 5th percentile for their age are considered underweight. Contrarily, overnutrition can cause obesity due to an excess of nutrient and energy intake. Addressing obesity often involves diet modifications and increased physical activity to achieve a balanced energy state. In cases where diet and exercise are insufficient, medical interventions such as medications or bariatric surgery may be necessary.