Assessment and treatment of involuntary weight loss and protein-calorie malnutrition.

Involuntary weight loss and protein-calorie malnutrition have a great impact on the entire health care system, resulting in reduced quality of life for the affected patient, compromised recovery, and added financial costs to the institution where the patient is receiving care. In addition, regulatory agencies are placing increased emphasis on the timely assessment and treatment of involuntary weight loss and protein-calorie malnutrition. In this context, a multidisciplinary approach to prevention of weight loss and protein-calorie malnutrition offers the greatest opportunity for success. Early recognition of protein-calorie malnutrition using anthropometric data, laboratory findings, and physical examination with a comprehensive diet history is essential to timely and effective treatment. Treatment must be closely monitored by a nutrition professional and must proceed along the accepted continuum of interventions.