Malnutrition
Overview
Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.
Symptoms
Common signs of malnutrition include: unintentional weight loss– losing 5% to 10% or more of weight over 3 to 6 months is one of the main signs of malnutritiona low body weight – people with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 are at risk of being malnourished (use theBMI calculatorto work out your BMI)a lack of interest in eating and drinkingfeeling tired all the timefeeling weakgetting ill often and taking a long time to recoverin children, not growing or not putting on weight at the expected rate Read more about the symptoms of malnutrition.
Causes
Lack of nutrients/calories. Disease (cancer/dysphagia); mental health; poverty; teeth problems; social isolation.
Treatment
Treatment for malnutrition depends on your general health and how severely malnourished you are. The first dietary advice is usually to: eat "fortified" foods that are high in calories and proteinsnack between mealshave drinks that contain lots of calories Some people also need support with underlying issues such as limited mobility. For example,care at homeoroccupational therapy. If a child is malnourished, their family or carers may need advice and support to address the underlying reasons why it happened. If these initial dietary changes are not enough, a doctor, nurse or dietitian may also suggest you take extra nutrients in the form of nutritional drinks or supplements. If you have difficulty eating and this cannot be managed by making changes such as eating soft or liquid foods, other treatments may be recommended, such as: a feeding tube – this can be either passed down your nose and into your stomach, or inserted directly into your stomach through the skin of the tummynutrition that's given directly into a vein Read more about how malnutrition is treated.
Prevention
The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. You need to eat a variety of foods from the main food groups, including: plenty of fruit and vegetablesplenty of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, pastasome milk and dairy foods or non-dairy alternativessome sources of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs and beans TheEatwell Guidehas more information about the types of food you should include in your diet and how to get the right balance between them all. Speak to a GP or specialist if you have a health problem that puts you at increased risk of malnutrition. You may have more complex dietary needs or need to take supplements.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if: you've unintentionally lost a lot of weight over the last 3 to 6 monthsyou have other symptoms of malnutritionyou're worried someone in your care, such as a child or older person, may be malnourished If you're concerned about a friend or family member, try to encourage them to see a GP. A GP can check if you're at risk of malnutrition by measuring your weight and height, and asking about any medical problems you have or any recent changes in your weight or appetite. If they think you could be malnourished, they may refer you to a healthcare professional such as a dietitian to discuss treatment.