Malnutrition Awareness Week is Sept. 16-20. Know the signs and impacts of this serious condition

Malnutrition Awareness Week Is Sept. 16-20.

Did you know that 32-40% of adult patients across care settings are malnourished? Malnourished patients:

• Have hospital stays that are 1.9 times longer than those for patients without malnutrition
• Are 1.4 times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days
• Have an inpatient death rate that is over three times higher than average

Malnutrition in older adults

The rate of malnutrition increases exponentially with age. Aging coincides with various physical, mental and lifestyle changes that affect food intake and increase the prevalence of malnutrition in older adults. Chronic diseases are more common in older adults, and treatments may interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition. Dementia is one condition that can affect nutritional status. It's estimated that up to 80% of cancer patients are malnourished. Financial insecurity may also contribute to a higher prevalence of malnutrition.

Identifying and treating malnutrition

Nurses help identify malnourished patients who are admitted to the hospital by asking the patient how they have been eating and if they have experienced any unplanned weight loss. A registered dietitian nutritionist will perform a nutrition assessment and nutrition-focused physical exam, looking for signs of muscle or fat loss to determine if a patient has or is at risk for malnutrition. In conjunction with a physician, a plan can be put in place to address malnutrition. 

What you can do

Talk to your health care provider if you or a loved one has:

• Unplanned weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Been unable to eat or is able to eat only small amounts
• Been feeling weak or tired
• Noticed swelling or fluid accumulation

More information

For more helpful resources, visit the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).