Overview

Malnutrition is a common health problem.

Malnutrition is usually caused by:

• inadequate diet
• poor appetite
• problem absorbing nutrients from food

There are many reasons why this might happen, including:

• recent stay in hospital
• long term health condition
• difficulty swallowing
• lack of mobility
• low income
• bereavement or social isolation

Common signs that you might be at risk of malnutrition include having a low body weight and a low body mass index (BMI less than 20) and / or unintentional loss of weight in the last 3-6 months, although other signs can include:

• weak muscles
• feeling tired all the time
• low mood
• an increase in illnesses or infections