Optimal Nutritional Care for Critically Ill Patients with Obesity

Abstract:

Up to 36% of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) present with obesity. Factors associated with obesity can complicate malnutrition screening and the nutritional care of those with obesity; therefore, malnutrition may be underrecognized in this population. The 2019 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) states that every critically ill patient in the ICU for more than 48 hours should be considered at risk for malnutrition. This infographic provides guidance on diagnosing malnutrition and estimating energy and protein needs for critically ill patients with obesity.