Every year, Malnutrition Week shines a spotlight on an issue that often hides in plain sight. Malnutrition doesn’t just affect one group it touches children, adults, and older people across every community. It impacts quality of life, slows recovery, and adds significant strain to our healthcare system.
At Optimum Intake Dietitians, we see the reality of malnutrition every day. Raising awareness and offering support is at the heart of what we do.
What Is Malnutrition, Really?
When most people think of malnutrition, they imagine someone who is very underweight. But malnutrition is much more than that. It’s when your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to function at its best.
It can happen to anyone:
- Someone recovering from surgery who can’t manage full meals.
- A person living with chronic illness who struggles with appetite or nausea.
- An older adult who finds it hard to shop, cook, or chew certain foods.
- Or even a child with a restricted eating pattern.
Particularly vulnerable groups include:
- Are recovering from surgery or illness
- Experience reduced appetite, nausea, or early satiety
- Have increased nutritional needs due to wounds, cancer, or chronic disease
- Have trouble chewing, swallowing, or digesting food
- Are socially isolated or unable to access nutritious food
- Live with disability or cognitive decline
A Hidden Example: ARFID and Malnutrition in Children
One of the most overlooked groups at risk of malnutrition are children living with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Imagine an eight-year-old who eats only a handful of “safe foods” — perhaps dry crackers, plain pasta, and a few specific snack foods. While it may not seem concerning at first, over time this limited diet can cause serious nutritional deficiencies. Without enough protein, iron, or vitamins, the child may:
- Struggle with fatigue and concentration at school
- Experience slower growth
- Be more prone to illness
- Miss out on opportunities to play and connect with friends because of low energy
This is malnutrition. And because the child may not look “underweight,” it often goes unnoticed until the impact on growth and health becomes significant.
Yes — People in Larger Bodies Can Be Malnourished Too
Malnutrition doesn’t discriminate. People in larger bodies can be malnourished as well.
People in larger bodies may:
- Lose muscle mass and strength while maintaining or even gaining fat
- Be malnourished due to poor diet quality, chronic illness, or eating disorders
- Appear “well-nourished” but experience micronutrient deficiencies, protein depletion, or reduced functional status
This is known as sarcopenia or hidden malnutrition, and it often goes unrecognised. That’s why nutritional assessment must go beyond the scales and focus on appetite, dietary intake, medical history, and functional changes.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Malnutrition can creep in quietly. Some signs to look for include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite or reduced food intake
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle wasting
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Changes in mood or memory
- Slow wound healing
- Loose-fitting clothes or dentures
If you notice these signs in yourself, a loved one, or someone you care for, early action matters.
How Nutrition Can Help: High Protein, High Energy (HPHE)
When someone is malnourished or at risk, their body needs extra protein and energy to heal and rebuild strength. Dietitians use a High Protein, High Energy (HPHE) approach that includes:
- Eating small, frequent meals and snacks
- Adding extra protein and calories into everyday foods (milk powder in porridge, cheese in soup, cream in mashed potato)
- Using oral nutritional supplements if needed
- Choosing nourishing, energy-dense foods like eggs, full-fat dairy, nut butters, and oily fish
The best part? This approach is tailored to each person’s preferences, lifestyle, and health needs.
Why It Matters
- In Australia, up to 50% of older adults in hospitals or aged care are malnourished or at risk.
- Globally, 1 in 3 hospital patients are malnourished on admission.
- Malnutrition costs Australia over $10 billion annually in healthcare.
- It increases the risk of falls, infections, hospital readmissions, and even death.
But here’s the hopeful part: with the right support, malnutrition is preventable and treatable.
Take Action This Malnutrition Week
Here’s how you can help make malnutrition visible and change outcomes:
- Learn to spot the signs in yourself and others
- Encourage routine nutrition screening in hospitals, aged care, and schools
- Refer or connect with an Accredited Practising Dietitian
- Share resources and start conversations (#MalnutritionWeek)
And most importantly, don’t wait until it’s too late.
How Optimum Intake Dietitians Can Help
If you’re worried about malnutrition for yourself, your child, or someone you care for we’re here to help.
At Optimum Intake Dietitians, our team provides thorough nutritional assessments and practical support. We can see you at one of our clinic locations, connect via telehealth, or visit you at home.
Together, we’ll work on realistic strategies that fit your life and restore health, energy, and confidence.
Reach out today to book an appointment and take the first step toward preventing or treating malnutrition.
