Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Malnutrition

7-minute read

Key facts

  • Malnutrition is when someone doesn’t have enough of the right nutrients in their diet for their body’s needs.
  • Symptoms of malnutrition include weight and muscle loss, a weakened immune system, falls and hair loss.
  • Treatment involves ensuring the person’s diet contains enough energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.
  • Malnutrition is a serious problem in Australia — especially for the elderly.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a serious health condition that happens when you do not have enough of the right nutrients to meet your body’s needs.

It can happen over time if you do not have enough or eat the right types of food, or if your body cannot absorb enough nutrients from food.

Malnutrition is common in Australia. People most at risk are:

Research shows that up to 1 in every 2 older Australians living in aged care or at home are either at risk of malnutrition or are malnourished.

People who eat a lot of food or are living with overweight can also have malnutrition. For example, people who eat poor diets may live with obesity, but also lack the vitamins and minerals they need for good health. People who were malnourished before they were born or as babies are more likely to have overweight or obesity in later life.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

The symptoms of malnutrition are:

What causes malnutrition?

Malnutrition is often caused by a combination of several different factors.

Older people may develop malnutrition if they have health problems that make it hard for them to eat, such as dementia or dental problems. They may lose their appetite, find it hard to swallow, or may have chronic diseases or take medicines that affect their diet.

Some people deliberately restrict their diets, leading to malnutrition. Others do not have access to nutritious food, either because they cannot afford it or it is not available where they live. Being isolated and lonely, with poor health, depression and grief can all affect how people eat and contribute to malnutrition.

When should I see my doctor?

If you or someone close to you develops any of the symptoms of malnutrition, or if you’re worried about access to food or a low appetite, you should see your doctor.

To find your nearest general practitioner (GP), dietitian or after-hours medical service, use the healthdirect Service Finder tool.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

Health professionals diagnose malnutrition by:

  • asking questions about weight and appetite
  • measuring body mass index (BMI)
  • asking if there is good access to healthy food (for example, if cost is a problem)

They may use a screening tool to identify people who are at risk. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check if some nutrients are lacking in your diet.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is malnutrition treated?

Malnutrition can be treated with the help of a dietitian, who will work with you and sometimes other health professionals to help you know what foods you need.

A dietitian can also help with practical suggestions, for example, how to cook or prepare foods that you are able to eat, fit in with your medical needs and lifestyle and are to your taste.

Treatment involves ensuring your diet has enough energy (kilojoules), protein, vitamins and minerals. For most people, the best way is through eating small, frequent meals that are high in nutrients.

You may need nutritional supplements as well.

A doctor may also suggest changing your medicines or visiting the dentist. A speech pathologist can help if you have problems with swallowing.

If you or someone you know has malnutrition, the following tips can help:

  • Eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day — cheese, yoghurt, nuts and dried fruit are good options.
  • Use full cream milk and include milky drinks as part of your diet.
  • Add oil, cream and margarine to food in cooking.
  • Boost soups and stews with milk powder, cream or grated cheese.

Can malnutrition be prevented?

The best way to prevent malnutrition is to spot signs early on. If you are worried about a loved one, watch for weight loss (noting how their clothes fit), watch them eat, and be on the alert if they develop problems with their teeth or have a fall.

You can encourage someone to eat by making it a social event, ensuring the food they have is to their taste (for example, if they live in a group home or an aged care facility), and by helping them to do some exercise to boost their appetite.

If the cost of food is an issue, you could consider helping them draw up a budget, buying food on sale, or splitting the cost of bulk purchases with a friend or neighbour. Read more on how to eat healthily on a budget.

What are the complications of malnutrition?

Malnutrition can result in illness, pressure ulcers, infections, falls and fractures. It can mean time spent in hospital, or sometimes be life threatening.

Older people with malnutrition may not be able to look after themselves at home. They can develop sarcopenia, which means they lose muscle mass and strength. Malnutrition weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for wounds to heal. Often, people with malnutrition lose their appetite, making the problem worse.

Resources and support

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Malnutrition | Dietitians Australia

Malnutrition is a major public health issue in Australia, particularly for older Australians. Prevention is key. Here we explore its symptoms and treatment.

Read more on Dietitians Australia website

Cancer and malnutrition - Better Health Channel

It is important for the health of people with cancer to eat well before, during and after cancer treatment.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Malnutrition and weight loss - Cancer Council Victoria

Malnutrition and weight loss is common in people with cancer. Understand the signs and risks, prevention and management techniques and how a dietician can help.

Read more on Cancer Council Victoria website

Prealbumin | Pathology Tests Explained

The test measures levels of prealbumin, an important protein found in the blood. Prealbumin is produced primarily by the liver. It serves as a source for the

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Iodine - MyDr.com.au

Iodine is important for your thyroid gland, and iodine deficiency can cause problems, especially in unborn and newborn babies. Find out how to ensure your iodine intake is adequate.

Read more on myDr website

Iodine | Nutrition Australia

Learn what iodine is, why is it important for health, iodine requirements and food sources.

Read more on Nutrition Australia website

Parenteral Nutrition Pocketbook: For Adults

Parenteral nutrition (PN) refers to the intravenous infusion of specialised nutrition solution. This method of feeding may be required when the gastrointestinal tract is not functional or leaking, cannot be accessed, or the patient cannot be adequately nourished by oral or enteral means. In NSW, there are major variations in the way PN is administered in public hospitals.

Read more on ACI - Agency for Clinical Innovation website

Protein | Dietitians Australia

Protein is an important nutrient that our bodies use to function properly. Most Australians get enough protein, but there are some groups of people who may need to monitor the amount of protein they eat. Here are some easy ways to increase the protein in your diet.

Read more on Dietitians Australia website

COVID-19 and eating disorders - Eating Disorders Victoria

COVID-19 can affect people with eating disorders. Learn about risk factors and complications of COVID-19 coronavirus and eating disorders.

Read more on Eating Disorders Victoria website

Vitamin B12 | Pathology Tests Explained

These tests measure the concentration of folate and vitamin B12 in the serum or plasma (liquid portion of the blood). Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.