What is Malnutrition? A Q&A with Peninsula Health’s Dietetics Team

Malnutrition doesn’t have a single, universally accepted definition, but is generally recognised as a condition caused by insufficient intake of energy and protein to meet the body’s needs. This can lead to various issues, including unintentional weight loss, muscle and fat wasting, reduced functional ability, and worse overall clinical outcomes.  

Malnutrition is notably common in hospitals, with estimates suggesting that up to 40% of inpatients are affected. This condition contributes to poorer patient outcomes, and places additional strain and financial burden on the healthcare system. Specifically, patients with hospital-acquired malnutrition tend to have longer hospital stays, with those diagnosed staying an average of 21.3 days longer than their well-nourished counterparts.  

Malnutrition extends beyond individual patients, affecting caregivers and the healthcare system. This Malnutrition Week we aim to highlight the prevalence of this issue within the Australian community, with a particular focus on healthcare settings.  

We spoke with Peninsula Health’s Dietetics team to learn more about malnutrition and how we can reduce the risk of this condition.  

Q: What are the signs/ symptoms of malnutrition?  

A: The signs and symptoms you and your loved ones can look out for include:   

  • Loss of appetite or disinterest in eating and drinking  
  • Unintentional weight loss   
  • Weakness and reduced muscle mass   
  • Inability to focus or concentrate   
  • Fatigue   
  • Increased susceptibility to sickness and longer recovery time   

Q: Who is at risk of malnutrition?   

A: Certain factors can put some people at higher risk of developing malnutrition, such as:  

  • Age (people aged 65 years and older)  
  • Certain medical conditions (i.e., cancer, surgery)  
  • Social & environmental factors (i.e., difficulty/unable to shop, cook or feed themselves, socially isolated)  
  • Hospital admission/s  
  • Chewing and/or swallowing problems  
  • Cognitive concerns/ dementia  
  • Low mood/ depression  

Q: What are the consequences of malnutrition?  

A: There are many consequences associated with malnutrition, including but not limited to:   

  • Increased risk of infection and poor immunity  
  • Muscle wasting and loss of strength/ function, resulting in an increased risk of falls and a decreased ability to perform activities of daily life  
  • Longer hospital stays  
  • Reduced quality of life  
  • Increased mortality risk   

Q: How are patients identified as at-risk for malnutrition?   

A: The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) is completed by nursing staff for all patients admitted to hospital. This is a validated screening tool that identifies changes in weight, appetite and oral intake over a specified time period. A score of 2 or more on the MST will automatically generate a referral to a dietitian.  

Q: How is malnutrition diagnosed?  

A: Dietitians are the only people who can formally diagnose malnutrition. Dietitians use validated diagnostic tools, such as the Global Clinical Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria or the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), as gold-standard measures to diagnose malnutrition.   

Q: What can you do if you think your patient is malnourished?  

A: There are many ways you can help if you think your patient may be malnourished, or at risk of developing malnutrition.   

  • Ensure the completion of the MST (Malnutrition Screening Tool) 
  • Encourage oral intake – ask the patient about their food preferences.   
  • Helping patients set up their meals and helping open packages.  

Most importantly:  

  • Refer to the dietitian if you have concerns, and follow the recommendations and strategies provided by the dietitian.  

For more information on Malnutrition, please visit Malnutrition Week 2024 ANZ or click here to discover more about our Nutrition and Dietetics service at Peninsula Health.  

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