A new study from the University of Queensland has found that malnutrition is not uncommon among obese individuals, and can triple the risk of death in hospital. The research, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, examined the impact of malnutrition on obese patients who were hospitalised due to illness. The study analysed data from 3,122 patients, of whom 26% were obese. Of these, 14% were found to be malnourished. The study found that 28% of malnourished patients ate only 25% or less of the food provided by the hospital, and 70% did not receive any special nutritional support during their hospital stay. The researchers concluded that obese patients suffering from malnutrition often do not receive adequate support through tailored nutrition, and that this is likely due to a lack of awareness among medical professionals that obesity does not guarantee adequate nutrient intake.
The study also found that the combination of the underlying illness and untreated malnutrition tripled the risk of death, even when other factors such as age were taken into account. The researchers recommend that all hospital patients have their nutritional status assessed upon admission, in order to identify and address malnutrition early on. The study confirms the findings of the 2016 Global Nutrition Report from the International Food Policy Research Institute, which highlighted malnutrition as a global problem among obese individuals.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of addressing malnutrition in obese patients, and the need for greater awareness among medical professionals of the risks associated with obesity. By identifying and addressing malnutrition early on, hospitals can help to reduce the risk of death and improve patient outcomes.
