What term refers to a diet that is chronically deficient in calories or essential nutrients?

The term that refers to a diet that is chronically deficient in calories or essential nutrients is malnutrition. Malnutrition encompasses a range of dietary issues, including both undernutrition and overnutrition, but it is primarily associated with insufficient intake of nutrients required for the body to function optimally. This condition can lead to a variety of health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune function, and increased susceptibility to disease.

In contrast, obesity is characterized by an excess of body fat, typically resulting from excessive caloric intake combined with insufficient physical activity. Underweight refers to having a body weight that is considered too low for a given height and can result from malnutrition but does not encompass the broader context of nutrient deficiencies. Overnutrition, on the other hand, refers to an excessive intake of calories and nutrients, which can lead to obesity and related health conditions.

Thus, malnutrition is the appropriate term that captures the state of inadequate calories or essential nutrients in one’s diet.