1 Underweight (BMI below 18.5): If you were underweight for your height you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. 2  Overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9): If you were overweight for your height you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. 3  Obese (a BMI of 30 or higher): If you were obese for your height you should gain between 11 and 20 pounds.
In the UK, the most common causes of malnutrition in children are long-term health conditions that: 1  cause lack of appetite. 2  disrupt the normal process of digestion. 3  cause the body to have an increased demand for energy.
Malnutrition or malnourishment is a condition that results from eating a diet in which nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that the diet causes health problems. It may involve calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals.rotein-energy malnutrition has two severe forms: marasmus (a lack of protein and calories) and kwashiorkor (a lack of just protein). Common micronutrient deficiencies include: a lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin A. During pregnancy, due to the body's increased need, deficiencies may become more common.