Malnutrition

Key points

• Malnutrition is an important consequence of and contributor to chronic disease. It is clearly a complex and multifactorial problem that can be difficult to manage but there are a number of key points to remember for the exam.
• a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 18.5; or
• unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the last 3-6 months; or
• a BMI of less than 20 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the last 3-6 months Around 10% of patients aged over 65 years are malnourished, the vast majority of those living independently, i.e.
• it should be done on admission to care/nursing homes and hospital, or if there is concern. For example an elderly, thin patient with pressure sores