Malnutrition in Europe: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
Malnutrition refers to an imbalance between the nutrients the body needs to function and the nutrients it actually receives. A person can be malnourished due to an overall lack of calories, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, or excess calories without proper nutritional value. So, it includes both undernutrition and overnutrition.
Although we are often not aware of it, malnutrition is one of the biggest public health challenges in Europe. In this article, we look at what causes it, how it affects us, and what can be done to tackle it.
What Is Malnutrition?
Many people struggle to eat properly, and food and nutrition illiteracy is a growing problem in countries around the world. The World Health Organisation defines malnutrition as a condition that arises from an imbalance in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients, whether due to deficiency or excess. Malnutrition can result from undernutrition, insufficient intake of essential nutrients, or overnutrition, characterised by excessive intake of certain nutrients, which can lead to overweight, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Causes of Malnutrition in Europe
Malnutrition can be caused by different factors. Recognising what leads to malnutrition is essential in preventing it and ensuring better health outcomes. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to malnutrition:
- Food insecurity and limited access to nutritious food: According to the European Commission’s “Food 2030 Pathways for Action” report, 9.1% of the EU population cannot afford a quality meal every other day. Financial hardship, rising food prices, and limited availability of fresh, nutrient-rich foods make it difficult for many families to maintain a balanced diet.
- Lack of nutritional knowledge: Lack of nutritional knowledge is a growing concern in many countries worldwide. Although there is abundant information about nutrition available online, distinguishing accurate guidance from misinformation can be challenging. Without access to reliable sources, individuals may follow poor advice, resulting in dietary habits that increase the risk of malnutrition.
- Unhealthy weight management practices: Following strict or unbalanced diets can lead to malnutrition. Insufficient calorie intake might deprive the body of vital nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Conversely, excessive calorie intake combined with poor food quality can result in overnutrition, contributing to obesity and related health problems.
- Specific health conditions: Malnutrition is sometimes caused by health conditions that affect appetite, digestion, or the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Illnesses such as cancer, chronic lung or liver disease, Crohn’s disease, and mental health disorders like depression or dementia can make it difficult to eat enough or eat well. Conditions like eating disorders and dental problems can also lead to malnutrition over time.
How Malnutrition Impacts Society
Malnutrition acts as both a cause and a consequence of numerous health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022, approximately 390 million adults were underweight, while 2.5 billion were overweight or obese. Nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition, underscoring its critical role in child mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
At the same time, rising rates of overweight and obesity are contributing to an increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. A recent article in The Guardian warns that by 2050, more than half of the global adult population and one-third of children and young people could be affected by overweight or obesity.
Addressing the Root Causes of Malnutrition
The impact of malnutrition underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and targeted action. The European Union is actively addressing this challenge through a range of initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening nutrition policies, supporting international research, and fostering collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, including citizens, healthcare providers, nutrition professionals, and researchers.
Ensuring that everyone has regular access to affordable, diverse, and nutrient-rich foods is a key priority. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, supporting local food systems, and implementing social protection programs to reduce food insecurity. Improving nutrition education and access to reliable information helps individuals make informed dietary choices and avoid harmful misinformation.
At the household level, providing practical guidance and affordable, healthy alternatives empowers families to adopt better eating habits, reducing the risk of malnutrition. Healthcare systems also play a critical role by integrating nutrition screening, counselling, and ongoing support into routine care.
WiseFood’s Role in Fighting Malnutrition
WiseFood is a three-year EU project that aims to help reduce malnutrition in Europe by offering a holistic approach that provides citizens with access to reliable data and actionable recommendations to support healthier eating habits. The project focuses on developing three AI-powered applications designed to optimise recipes for both nutritional value and environmental impact, create personalised meal plans, and offer smart recipe suggestions that reduce food waste and promote healthier, more sustainable alternatives.
These solutions will be co-developed and tested by citizens through the WiseFood Living Labs in Ireland, Hungary, and Slovenia, ensuring the tools are practical, user-friendly, and tailored to real-life needs.