Malnutrition measured by unintended weight loss among patients in general practice.

OBJECTIVE

Disease-related malnutrition should be managed before negative consequences occur. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unintended weight loss and reduced food intake among patients ≥18 y of age attending a general practice.

METHODS

All patients visiting five general practices in Denmark, for 4 d in each place, were invited to participate in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The questionnaire consisted of eight questions including unintended weight loss within the previous 2 mo, reduced food intake within the previous week, and symptoms that affected nutrition. Descriptive statistics, χ tests, and simple and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. The study included 1087 patients with an 88.7% response rate.

RESULTS

Unintended weight loss was found in 14.2% and 12.9% had reduced food intake. Of the patients with unintended weight loss, 62.3% also had reduced food intake. Patients 18 to 39 and >80 y of age; underweight patients; and patients visiting general practice for chronic pain, mental discomfort, and suspicion of serious illness had significantly higher odds for unintended weight loss and reduced food intake. Patients with reduced food intake had higher odds for unintended weight loss, and those visiting the general practice due to fatigue had higher odds for reduced food intake. Patients in obesity class 1 to 3 and patients who had come for a general health checkup had lower odds. Patients visiting for follow-up on chronic physical illness had higher odds of having unintended weight loss and reduced food intake combined.

CONCLUSION

Overall, 14.2% of the patients had unintended weight loss, 12.9% had reduced food intake, and 62.3% had both, indicating a high prevalence of unintended weight loss among patients in general practice. Unintended weight loss seems relevant and feasible to use as an initial indicator for the need for further nutritional screening in general practice. Studies are needed to investigate the effect of interventions and outcomes.