Malnutrition measured by unintended weight loss among patients in general practice

Abstract Objective Disease-related malnutrition should be timely managed before negative consequences occur. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unintended weight loss and reduced food intake among patients ≥18 years visiting general practice. Methods All patients visiting five general practices in Denmark, for four days each place, were invited to participate in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The questionnaire consisted of eight questions including unintended weight loss within the past two months, reduced food intake within the past week and nutrition impact symptoms. Descriptive statistics, chi2 tests, simple and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Results The study included 1087 patients, response rate 88.7%. Unintended weight loss was found in 14.2% and 12.9% had reduced food intake, whereas 62.3% of patients with unintended weight loss also had reduced food intake. Patients aged 18-39 and >80 years, underweight patients, patients visiting general practice for chronic pain, mental discomfort and suspicion of serious illness had significantly higher odds for unintended weight loss and reduced food intake. Patients with reduced food intake had higher odds for unintended weight loss, and patients visiting the general practice due to fatigue had higher odds for reduced food intake, while patients in obesity class 1 to 3 and patients who came for general health check had lower odds. Patients visiting for follow-up on chronic physical illness had higher odds of having unintended weight loss and reduced food intake combined. Conclusion Overall, 14.2% had unintended weight loss and 12.9% had reduced food intake and 62.3% of the patients had both, indicating a high prevalence of unintended weight loss among patients in general practice. Unintended weight loss seems relevant and feasible to use as an initial indicator for the need for further nutritional screening in general practice. Studies are required to investigate the effect of interventions and outcomes.