India is one of the fastest growing countries in terms of population and economics, sitting at a population of 1,139.96 million (2009)[1] and growing at 10-14% annually (from 2001-2007). [1]India’s Gross Domestic Product growth was 9.0% from 2007 to 2008; [1]since Independence in 1947, its economic status has been classified as a low-income country with majority of the population at or below the poverty line. Though most of the population is still living below the National Poverty Line, its economic growth indicates new opportunities and a movement towards increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases which is observed in at high rates in developed countries such as United States, Canada and Australia. The combination of living in poverty and the recent economic growth of India have led to the co-emergence of two types of malnutrition: under nutrition and over nutrition.

Key Words: Over Nutrition: refers to an excessive intake of one or more nutrients, which creates a stress in the bodily functions. Pre-term: Babies born before the end of 37 weeks gestation (less than 259 days). Postterm: Babies born at 42 completed weeks or any time there after (294 days and over) of gestation. Term: Babies born from 37 completed weeks to less than 42 completed weeks (259-293 days) of gestation. Under Nutrition: (also known as Protein-Calorie malnutrition or energy-deficiency) is associated with exacerbation of health conditions, increased frailty, and decline in physical, cognitive, and affective function.