What is the double burden of malnutrition?

• A. A temporary condition during famine.
• B. The coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity within a population, household, or individual.
• C. Undernutrition only in children.
• D. Overnutrition only in urban populations.

Answer: (B)

The double burden of malnutrition means the simultaneous presence of both undernutrition and overweight/obesity within the same population, within the same household, or even within the same individual. This reflects situations where some people—often children—are undernourished due to insufficient or unbalanced diets, while others in the same community or family are overweight or obese because of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and sedentary lifestyles. It highlights how nutrition challenges aren’t limited to one form or one group; they can co-occur and require integrated strategies that address both lack of nutrients and excess calories. The other descriptions focus on a single form of malnutrition or a temporary condition, rather than the coexistence of both forms.