Malnutrition Awareness Week

The 1st to 7th October is UK Malnutrition Awareness Week.

One in ten people aged over 65 in the UK (1.3 million) is malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Launching on the International Day of Older Persons, the first ever UK Malnutrition Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the ‘hidden’ problem of malnutrition in older people.

• One in ten older people is currently malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
• Many people believe it is normal to lose weight as you get older, but in fact, unexplained weight loss in later life may be a sign that you are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
• Significant, unintended weight loss can make you more likely to get ill or have a fall. It may also slow down recovery time from any illness or surgery.
• You may be at particular risk if you have an ongoing health issue, or if you struggle to shop or cook for any reason.
• If you are worried about weight loss you should seek medical advice from your GP or practice nurse.

Malnutrition myths:

• It is normal to lose weight as you get older

It is not normal to lose weight as we age, and significant, unexplained weight loss may be a sign that somebody is malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished.

• Losing weight or losing your appetite in later life is not a serious issue

Significant, unintended weight loss makes someone more likely to get ill or have a fall, and slows down recovery time from illness or surgery.

• Malnutrition does not exist in the UK anymore

There are around 3 million people in the UK who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, including one in ten people over the age of 65.

If you are worried about an older relative, friend or neighbour, have a conversation with them about their food intake and appetite.

Find out more about malnutrition self-screening here:

www.malnutritionselfscreening.org

UK Malnutrition Awareness Week – let’s all have MAW conversations!