Why does malnutrition still lead to weight gain

Malnutrition may lead to weight gain, mainly related to imbalanced dietary structure, metabolic disorders, dysbiosis of gut microbiota, abnormal hormone levels, chronic inflammatory reactions, and other factors. When long-term intake of high calorie, low nutrient foods or nutrient absorption disorders occur, the body will activate the fat storage mechanism.

1. Imbalance in dietary structure

When excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and trans fats is lacking in high-quality protein and micronutrients, the body prioritizes converting excess calories into fat storage. The typical manifestation is abdominal obesity accompanied by vitamin D or iron deficiency, and this group of people needs to increase their intake of whole grains, dark vegetables, and lean meat.

2. Metabolic disorders

Long term deficiency of B vitamins or magnesium elements can interfere with the activity of glucose and lipid metabolism enzymes, leading to a decrease in energy utilization efficiency. At this point, even if the amount of food consumed is not large, glucose that has not been fully broken down will still be converted into fat deposits, which is common in people who regain weight after long-term dieting.

3. Imbalance of gut microbiota

When the proportion of Firmicutes in the gut is too high, it can enhance the efficiency of food calorie extraction and stimulate the expression of fat synthesis genes. If malnourished individuals use antibiotics for a long time or have insufficient dietary fiber, it may cause dysbiosis and obesity, and they need to supplement probiotics and prebiotics for regulation.

4. Abnormal hormone levels

Insufficient protein intake can reduce leptin sensitivity, while zinc and selenium deficiency may affect thyroid hormone conversion. This type of hormonal imbalance can cause a decrease in basal metabolic rate, commonly seen in vegetarians or extremely picky eating children, manifested as weight gain but decreased muscle mass.

5. Chronic inflammatory response

When antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E are lacking, oxidative stress in the body can induce low-grade inflammation. Inflammatory factors interfere with insulin signaling, leading to the proliferation and hypertrophy of adipocytes. This type of obesity is often accompanied by signs of malnutrition such as dry skin and slow wound healing.

It is recommended to adjust the dietary structure to ensure a balanced intake of high-quality protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid empty calorie foods. Perform resistance training combined with aerobic exercise every week to improve muscle mass and basal energy consumption. Regularly check serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and other indicators, and supplement nutrition under the guidance of a doctor if necessary. When cooking, use steaming and boiling methods more often, reduce high-temperature frying to preserve food nutrients. Maintaining a regular schedule can help restore normal metabolic rhythms and improve nutrient absorption.