Unintended Weight Loss in Older Adults

UWL: Medical Nutrition Therapy (2007)

• Intervention
  What is the evidence regarding Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in older adults with unintended weight loss?

  • Conclusion

    Five studies were evaluated regarding Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in older adults with unintended weight loss. One study reported that the prevalence of underweight or unintended weight loss may be as high as 35%. Four studies report that individualized nutrition care, directed by a Registered Dietitian on the healthcare team, results in improved outcomes related to increased energy, protein and nutrient intakes, improved nutritional status, improved quality of life and/or weight gain.   

  • Grade: I
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in older adults with unintended weight loss
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Faxen-Irving G, Andren-Olsson B, Af Geijerstam A, Basun H, Cederholm T. The effect of nutritional intervention in elderly subjects residing in group-living for the demented. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002; 56(3): 221-227.
      • Keller HH, Gibbs AJ, Boudreau LD, Goy RE, Pattillo MS, Brown HM. Prevention of weight loss in dementia with comprehensive nutritional treatment. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003; 51(7): 945-952.
      • Mamhidir AG, Ljundggren G, Kihlgren M, Kihlgren A, Wimo A. Underweight, weight loss and related risk factors among older adults in sheltered housing: A Swedish follow-up study. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006; 10(4): 255-262.
      • Payette H, Boutier V, Coulombe C, Gray-Donald K. Benefits of nutritional supplementation in free-living, frail, undernourished elderly people: A prospective randomized community trial. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 1,002: 1,088-1,095.
      • Splett PL, Roth-Yousey LL, Vogelzang JL. Medical nutrition therapy for the prevention and treatment of unintentional weight loss in residential healthcare facilities. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003; 103: 352-362.
  • Search Plan and Results: Medical Nutrition Therapy 2008