The prevalence of malnutrition (under- and overweight, and nutrient deficiencies) in SA has consistently been reported to have risen, albeit variably, across regions and populations. Ethnicity differentiates malnutrition in the country, with adult women and girls, the poorer and those living in disadvantaged communities being the most vulnerable groups. Malnutrition is a serious risk factor for ill health and contributes substantially to the burden of disease, metabolic disease risk, in particular. As such, early identification of those individuals at risk for the development of malnutrition in relatively diverse geographic/cultural populations through suitable determinants is essential.