Malnutrition

Question 1

What is the definition of malnutrition?

Answer 1

BMI less than 18.5 or,
Unintentional weight loss greater than 10% in last 3-6 months or,
BMI less than 20 and unintentional weight loss greater than 5% in last 3-6 months

Question 2

What is the management of malnutrition?

Answer 2

Dietitian support if high risk patient.
Food first approach (full fat products) rather than prescribing oral nutrition supplements.
Oral nutritional supplements should only be used as snacks.

Question 3

What is sarcopenia?

Answer 3

Age associated loss of skeletal muscle function and muscle mass.

Question 4

What are the risk factors for sarcopenia?

Answer 4

Age > 65 years old,
Low or high BMI,
Sedentary lifestyle,
Low protein intake,
Falls

Question 5

What are the investigations for sarcopenia?

Answer 5

Bloods - rule out any potential medical conditions.
DXA scan

Question 6

What are the differentials for sarcopenia?

Answer 6

Parkinson’s disease,
ALS,
Myopathy,
Thyroid disease,
Cachexia

Question 7

What is the management of sarcopenia?

Answer 7

Resistance exercise,
Increase protein intake,
Increase aerobic exercise