Malnutrition - undernutrition and overnutrition - can lead to and worsen acute and chronic medical conditions, especially among older adults. Malnutrition is a common yet overlooked condition found across all care settings including hospitals, rehabilitation, long-term care and the community.¹ From 20% to 50% of patients may be at risk for malnutrition or are malnourished upon hospital admission.^1-4 Yet as few as 5% to 8% of inpatients in the United States are diagnosed with malnutrition during their hospital stay.^5-6

The consequences of malnutrition are serious. Malnutrition increases the risks for complications, pressure injuries, risk of falls and frailty; leads to longer hospital length of stay and hospital readmissions; and is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Malnutrition decreases quality of life, functional status, activities of daily living, wound healing, muscle mass and strength.^7-9