The diagnosis of malnutrition in the adult can be challenging since no single parameter is definitive for diagnosis.
Characteristics of adult malnutrition:
(1) insufficient energy intake
(2) weight loss
(3) loss in skeletal muscle mass
(4) loss of subcutaneous fat
(5) fluid accumulation (localized or generalized)
(6) decrease in hand grip strength or comparable measure of muscle functional status
The diagnosis of adult malnutrition should be considered when 2 or more of these characteristics are present.
Each of the characteristics present can be graded as not severe (mild to moderate) or severe based on clinical context (acute illness, chronic illness, circumstances).
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