Malnutrition results from inadequate nutrient intake and utilization, leading to the breakdown of skeletal muscle and other aspects of lean body mass. This can result from many factors, including illness, injury, and insufficient or erratic food intake.
Regardless of BMI or body type, malnutrition causes adverse effects on body function and clinical outcomes.1
Patients only need to exhibit two to be considered malnourished.
Malnutrition is often present in patients suffering from a wide variety of disease states, including various types of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions, like diabetes.
Sarcopenia often overlaps with malnutrition, especially in older patients.19 Different stages of sarcopenia may be used to help identify the severity of the condition, such as:
Knowing and responding to the signs of malnutrition and/or sarcopenia are critical to patients receiving proper care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Sarcopenia has a pervasive, negative impact on patients’ quality of life and often leads to:
Sarcopenia impacts more than patients. It is also associated with higher healthcare costs.24
More than 2 in 3 patients experience further nutritional decline once admitted.
Malnourishment:
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