25th July 2023

Assessment

• BMI is a key measure (weight in kg divided by height in metres squared) and classifies malnutrition as mild (17-18.5), moderate (16-17) and severe (<16)
• The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
• The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA®-SF)

Consider offering nutritional support to the following:

• BMI <18.5
• Unintentional weight loss of more than 10% in the past 3-6 months
• Little or no food intake for >5 days and who are unlikely for the next >=5 days
• BMI <20 and unintentional weight loss of more than 5% in the past 3-6 months
• Poor absorption/high nutrient losses/increased nutritional needs