True or false: you can be obese and malnourished at the same time?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Obesity does not rule out malnutrition. Malnutrition means not getting enough of the nutrients your body needs, or not using them properly, which can happen even when someone has excess body fat. A person can consume a lot of calories from energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and still be deficient in protein, vitamins, and minerals. In older adults, factors like chronic disease, inflammation, dental issues, reduced appetite, and diminished nutrient absorption can lead to loss of lean body mass and micronutrient deficiencies despite a high BMI—a situation often called the dual burden of obesity and malnutrition or sarcopenic obesity. So, it’s true that you can be obese and malnourished at the same time.