Physical Findings Loss of subcutaneous fat, such as in the triceps and chest, muscle wasting in the quadriceps and deltoids, ankle edema, sacral edema, and ascites may be indicative of malnutrition. These abnormal fi ndings are subjectively assessed as mild, moderate, or severe. Box 1.5 lists other physical fi ndings that may suggest malnutrition. Most physical symptoms cannot be considered diagnostic because evaluation of “normal” versus “abnormal” fi ndings is subjective, and the signs of malnutrition may be nonspecifi c. For instance, dull, dry hair may be related to severe protein defi ciency or to overexposure to the sun or use of hair products such as colorants. In addition, physical signs and symptoms of malnutrition can vary in intensity among population groups because of genetic and environmental differences. Lastly, physical fi ndings occur only with overt malnutrition, not subclinical malnutrition.