Overview
Nutritional risk, weight loss, appetite and food safety.
Clinical relevance
Nutritional status influences recovery, immunity, function and quality of life, especially in older adults or people with eating difficulties. Recognizing signs such as weight loss, reduced appetite or low intake helps decide when to seek nutritional assessment.
Signs and symptoms
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Reduced appetite.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Low fluid or food intake.
Related conditions
Malnutrition
Frailty
Dysphagia
Sarcopenia
Assessments
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Clinical assessments
Nutritional Screening
Educational form for signs related to nutritional risk.
Purpose: Recognize nutritional risk signs.
Interpretation: Risk signs indicate the need for nutritional assessment.
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Available
Older adult functional screening guide
Functional screening guide that includes nutritional screening, warning signs and when to seek assessment.
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Articles
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FAQ
A mild decline can happen, but persistent loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss deserves nutritional assessment.
It should not replace full meals, except under specific guidance from a dietitian or physician.
Seek assessment for weight loss, low intake, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or signs of dehydration.
References
- European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). Guideline on clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics.
- National Institute on Aging. Nutrition and Eating for Older Adults.
- Cederholm T et al. GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition: a consensus report. Clinical Nutrition, 2019.