Malnutrition and Consequences

Learn to spot the signs

Old couple on lawn

Detect the first signs of malnutrition

Is your skirt too loose, or do you have to make an extra hole in your belt to keep your pants up? These can often be the first signs of malnutrition. But fatigue, lethargy or stress can also be signals that you are lacking important nutrients. Malnutrition often happens gradually.

With a diet that does not meet the body's nutritional needs, the risk of malnutrition is high. Even in our part of the world, inadequate nutrition and deficiencies of certain nutrients are widespread.



Who is at increased risk? 

  • Elderly people living alone or in care homes 
  • Adults after a stroke 
  • People with neurological conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's disease 
  • People with: problems chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite or immobility, psychological stress or depression, a changed sense of taste, medications

These are the dangers signs

  • Unintentional weight loss in the past 3 – 6 months
  • Weak muscles 
  • Feeling tired all the time 
  • Low mood 
  • An increase in illness or infections