Knowledge Center

Nutrition

Clinical center for screenings, guides and articles about nutritional risk, adapted feeding and warning signs.

Weight loss Reduced appetite Fatigue Low intake

Updated on: Aug 17, 2026

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Older adult having a small, colorful meal with support from a family member
Latest on Nutrition

Loss of appetite in older adults: causes and when to investigate

Educational guide to loss of appetite in older adults, common causes, warning signs, general measures and when to seek nutritional or medical assessment.

Aug 13, 2026

Overview

Nutritional risk, weight loss, appetite and food safety.

Clinical relevance

Nutritional status influences recovery, immunity, function and quality of life, especially in older adults or people with eating difficulties. Recognizing signs such as weight loss, reduced appetite or low intake helps decide when to seek nutritional assessment.

Signs and symptoms

  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
  • Low fluid or food intake.

Related conditions

Malnutrition Frailty Dysphagia Sarcopenia
Assessments

Clinical assessments

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Nutritional Screening

Educational form for signs related to nutritional risk.

Purpose: Recognize nutritional risk signs.

Interpretation: Risk signs indicate the need for nutritional assessment.

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Guides

Available

Older adult functional screening guide

Functional screening guide that includes nutritional screening, warning signs and when to seek assessment.

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Articles

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Educational guide to nutritional risk in older adults, weight loss, reduced appetite, dehydration, screening and when to seek professional assessment.

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Hydration in older adults: dehydration signs and how to reduce risk

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FAQ

A mild decline can happen, but persistent loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss deserves nutritional assessment.

It should not replace full meals, except under specific guidance from a dietitian or physician.

Seek assessment for weight loss, low intake, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or signs of dehydration.

References

  • European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). Guideline on clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics.
  • National Institute on Aging. Nutrition and Eating for Older Adults.
  • Cederholm T et al. GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition: a consensus report. Clinical Nutrition, 2019.