What is "overnutrition"

n. A form of malnutrition in which nutrients are oversupplied relative to the amounts required for normal growth, development, and metabolism.

Overnutrition or hyperalimentation is a form of malnutrition in which the intake of nutrients is oversupplied. The amount of nutrients exceeds the amount required for normal growth, development, and metabolism.

The term can also refer to:

• Obesity, which usually occurs by overeating, as well as:
• Oversupplying a specific nutrient, such as dietary minerals or vitamin poisoning. This is due to an excessive intake or a nutritional imbalance caused by fad diets.

For mineral excess, see:

• Iron poisoning, and
• Low sodium diet (excess sodium).

Overnutrition may also refers to greater food consumption than appropriate, as well as other feeding procedures such as parenteral nutrition.