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UK Malnutrition Awareness Week

We are supporting UK Malnutrition Awareness Week,11th-17th November 2024. Ask, Look, Listen. We

This year will see the seventh UK Malnutrition Awareness Week - #UKMAW2024.

What is Malnutrition Awareness Week?
UKMAW was co-founded in 2018 by the Malnutrition Task Force (MTF) and BAPEN to raise awareness and understand the risks of preventable malnutrition.

Is Malnutrition an issue in the UK?
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.

What are the signs of malnutrition?
The most common sign that someone may be at risk of malnutrition is unintentional (without trying) loss of weight in the last 3-6 months, although other signs can include: weak muscles, feeling tired, low mood and an increase in illnesses or infection. 

Who is at risk of malnutrition?
Some people may be more vulnerable to becoming undernourished, this may include being older, being isolated and lonely or having health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.  During illness we often don’t feel like eating as much as usual and that can mean we lose weight.   

How can malnutrition affect someone?
Malnutrition can affect health and well-being, and cause long-term health problems for otherwise healthy and independent older people.  It can also mean more visits to the GP, increased chances of being admitted to hospital and longer recovery from illness.

What can I do?

ASK – If you know someone may be at risk of malnutrition, don’t be afraid to ask them about their appetite and ability to eat and prepare food.

LOOK – Be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs of malnutrition and weight loss, which might include looser fitting clothes, belts, rings or dentures. 

LISTEN – Listen out for any clues that someone may not be looking after themselves as well as they could.  This could include talk of feeling sad, lonely or losing interest in things that would usually give them pleasure. 

Anyone showing signs of malnutrition should speak to their GP or healthcare professional.

You can access further information from the following sources:

11/11/2024