Under the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person's intake of protein, energy (carbohydrates and fats) and/or nutrients covering both undernutrition which includes suboptimal breastfeeding, stunting, wasting or thinness, underweight and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, as well as overnutrition, which includes overweight and obesity. (Sec. 6(h), R.A. No. 11148)

Under the Guidelines for the Implementation of Nutrition Care Process in Hospitals, malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in the intake of energy and/or nutrients of a person. (item IV(1), DOH Administrative Order No. 0033-19, August 28, 2019)