What is Malnutrition? A Case-Based Nutrition Update for Physicians

Course Description:

Malnutrition is a clinical condition characterized by deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in energy and nutrient intake. It can affect patients of any body size or disease state and cannot be identified by appearance alone. The condition is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to adverse clinical outcomes across healthcare settings. 

This physician-focused module explores the recognition, diagnosis, and management of adult malnutrition through a practical case-based approach. Participants will learn how to distinguish undernutrition from obesity-related malnutrition, understand the burden of malnutrition in clinical practice, examine the relationship between malnutrition and chronic disease, and apply the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to support standardized assessment and diagnosis.

The module also highlights the physician's role in identifying malnutrition, initiating nutrition interventions, collaborating with registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and incorporating nutrition strategies that may improve patient outcomes, recovery, and healthcare utilization. Through a case-based discussion, physicians will gain practical insights into recognizing nutritional risk and determining appropriate next steps for interdisciplinary care.

Course Objectives:

• Define malnutrition and its clinical subtypes and distinguish between undernutrition and obesity
• Describe the triple burden of malnutrition globally and in the United States 
• Recognize the role of the interdisciplinary team in diagnosing and managing malnutrition

Key Takeaways:

• Disease-related malnutrition is prevalent across patients — regardless of body size, age, or diagnosis — and cannot be identified by appearance alone 
• Early recognition of malnutrition is clinically important and can influence patient outcomes, recovery, and healthcare utilization 
• Physicians play a critical role in recognizing nutritional risk and initiating next steps, including basic counseling, monitoring intake, and coordinating multi-disciplinary care

Related Questions:

• What criteria are used to diagnose adult malnutrition using the GLIM framework?
  The GLIM framework requires at least one phenotypic criterion and one etiologic criterion. Phenotypic criteria include unintended weight loss, low BMI, or reduced muscle mass. Etiologic criteria include reduced food intake or assimilation and disease burden associated with inflammation.
  
• Why is early identification of malnutrition important in clinical practice?
  Early recognition allows clinicians to intervene before nutritional deficits contribute to further functional decline, disease progression, or adverse outcomes. Timely nutrition assessment and treatment may positively influence recovery, healthcare utilization, and overall patient outcomes.