Overnutrition

Overnutrition refers to long?term intake of calories and nutrients beyond what the body needs, often leading to overweight, obesity, and a spectrum of obesity?related disorders. Excess energy, especially from refined carbohydrates and fats, accumulates as adipose tissue and triggers lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This state underpins conditions such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, non?alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic syndrome.

Obesity?related disorders also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and poor wound healing, while overnutrition can impair immune function and make infections more severe. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, ultra?processed diets, and psychosocial stress interact with genetic and hormonal factors to drive overnutrition. Management focuses on energy?balanced, nutrient?dense diets, regular physical activity, behavioral support, and, when necessary, pharmacotherapy or bariatric interventions.