Identifying patients at risk[2]
All patients considered at risk, including elderly patients living alone and in care homes, should be screened when there is clinical concern and on admission to a care home.
Nutritional support should be offered to people who are malnourished, as defined by any of the following:
A body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m2.
Unintentional weight loss greater than 10% within the preceding 3-6 months.
A BMI of less than 20 kg/m2 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% within the preceding 3-6 months.
Nutritional support should be considered in people at risk of malnutrition, defined as those who have:
Eaten little or nothing for more than five days and/or are likely to eat little or nothing for five days or longer.
A poor absorptive capacity.
High nutrient losses.
Increased nutritional needs from causes such as catabolism