What are common causes of malnutrition?

Malnutrition primarily arises from an inadequate intake of essential nutrients needed for overall health, which can result from a lack of sufficient amounts or variety of foods. When individuals do not have access to a diverse range of foods, they may miss out on vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for maintaining bodily functions and overall well-being. This condition can stem from various factors, including poverty, food deserts, cultural practices, and dietary restrictions. Without a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, individuals are vulnerable to deficiencies that can lead to malnutrition-related health issues.

While excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity and related health problems, it does not qualify as malnutrition in the traditional sense, which typically involves deficiencies. Poor cooking methods can affect the nutritional quality of food but are less direct causes of malnutrition. Genetic predispositions to eating disorders can contribute to nutritional problems but are not as common or widespread a cause of malnutrition as the lack of sufficient food variety and quantity. Thus, the most fundamental and common cause of malnutrition is indeed the inadequate consumption of essential foods.