3.3 Describe risk factors that may lead to malnutrition

This guide will help you answer 3.3 Describe risk factors that may lead to malnutrition.

Malnutrition occurs when a person does not get the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to maintain their health. In the UK, malnutrition can affect people of all ages, although older adults and those with specific health conditions are more at risk. Identifying the factors contributing to malnutrition ensures those at risk receive timely support and interventions.

This guide explores some of the risk factors for malnutrition.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions increase the risk of malnutrition. These conditions often affect the ability to eat, digest, or absorb nutrients effectively.

Examples include:

• Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease can reduce nutrient absorption.
• Chronic illnesses like cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, or difficulty swallowing.
• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can reduce a person’s interest in eating or their ability to prepare meals.
• Dementia can result in individuals forgetting to eat or not recognising food.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), present in conditions like Parkinson’s disease or after a stroke, make it hard to consume enough food.
• Pain or discomfort caused by ulcers or dental problems can deter someone from eating.

People with long-term conditions may require specialist diets or nutritional supplements, but this is not always available or accessible.

Age-Related Factors

Age plays a significant role in the risk of malnutrition.

Older Adults

Older people are particularly vulnerable due to:

• Reduced appetite: It is common for older adults to feel less hungry, potentially due to slower digestion or reduced physical activity.
• Physical limitations: Arthritis or mobility issues might hinder meal preparation or shopping.
• Social isolation: Eating alone can reduce mealtime enjoyment and motivation to cook or eat.
• Polypharmacy: Taking many medications may cause side effects like nausea or loss of appetite.
• Loss of taste and smell: As we age, changes in sensory perception can make meals less enjoyable.

Children

For children, malnutrition risk stems from:

• Rapid growth: Children require a high volume of nutrients, and any deficiency can quickly impact their health.
• Picky eating habits: Limited diets might not provide all essential nutrients.
• Neglect: Children in neglectful environments may not receive adequate food.

Socioeconomic Factors

Poverty and financial pressure frequently contribute to malnutrition. For example, individuals may:

• Struggle to afford healthy, nutrient-rich foods.
• Have limited access to fresh foods, particularly in “food deserts” where supermarkets are sparse.
• Prioritise spending on other essentials like heating or rent over food.

Addressing these challenges requires understanding the broader impact of economic hardship on an individual’s health and lifestyle.

Poor Knowledge of Nutrition

If someone lacks understanding of basic nutrition, they may not consume a balanced diet. This can be an issue for:

• Young people transitioning to independent living who rely on convenience foods.
• Adults caring for dependents without proper knowledge of dietary needs.
• Individuals with low health literacy, meaning they may not understand labels or instructions on food packaging.

Regular education and access to nutritional information are key to reducing this risk.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are serious mental health conditions that significantly impact nutritional intake. These disorders often lead to:

• Severe calorie restriction.
• Distorted body image, which prevents healthy eating.
• Purging behaviours such as induced vomiting, leading to nutrient loss.

Individuals with eating disorders require specialised care and psychological support. Without it, they face the long-term health consequences of malnutrition.

Lack of Social Support

Social isolation and loneliness often lead to poor nutrition. People eating alone may:

• Skip meals.
• Lack motivation to prepare nutritious food.
• Experience depression, which reduces appetite.

This is common in older adults, carers, or those living away from family networks. Encouraging communal meals or offering meal delivery services helps reduce these risks.

Substance Misuse

Substance misuse involving alcohol or drugs can severely disrupt a person’s nutritional health. For example:

• Alcohol provides “empty” calories, meaning it lacks essential nutrients.
• Drug use may suppress appetite or interfere with digestion and absorption.
• Substance addiction can overshadow priorities like food consumption.

Long-term misuse depletes the body of key vitamins and minerals, leading to malnutrition.

Poor Access to Food

Some individuals cannot physically or economically access enough food. Reasons include:

• Geographical barriers: Living in remote areas can reduce access to shops or fresh food deliveries.
• Transport issues: A lack of reliable transport prevents regular shopping trips.
• Mobility issues: Difficulty leaving home due to disability or illness affects access to groceries.
• Economic reasons: As mentioned, financial challenges may limit food availability.

These barriers require community involvement, such as providing food banks or mobile meal services.

Hospitalisation and Long-Term Care

People in hospitals or care settings often have a higher risk of malnutrition. Reasons might include:

• Lack of personalised nutritional plans.
• Loss of appetite due to treatment side effects.
• Confusion or difficulty communicating food preferences.
• Reduced eating due to restricted movement or illness.

It’s the responsibility of carers and health professionals to monitor diet and address particular needs effectively.

Cultural and Religious Influences

A person’s cultural or religious background affects their dietary habits. For example:

• Strict dietary rules or fasting may inadvertently cause nutrient deficiencies.
• Limited availability of culturally appropriate foods can restrict diet choices.
• Misunderstandings about restrictive diets might stop someone from meeting all their nutritional needs.

Cultural sensitivity and education play critical roles in addressing malnutrition within diverse communities.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Modern lifestyles and environmental influences contribute to poor dietary choices.

Key factors include:

• Busy schedules: Relying on fast food or ready meals instead of cooking.
• Stress: Chronic stress impacts eating patterns, leading to under- or overeating.
• Sedentary behaviour: Physical inactivity reduces appetite regulation and encourages unhealthy snacking habits.

These behaviours often result in missing out on important nutrients.

Poor Appetite

Loss of appetite is a common symptom caused by medical, emotional, or lifestyle factors. Examples include:

• Medication side effects.
• Illness-related fatigue.
• Persistent stress or anxiety.

When appetite is poor, meals should be small, calorie-dense, and easy to consume.

Final Thoughts

Many factors contribute to malnutrition, from medical conditions to lifestyle patterns. Being aware of these risk factors enables care workers to identify when someone might be struggling. By resolving the underlying causes, you can support individuals in improving their overall health and wellbeing. Always prioritise early interventions and teamwork with healthcare professionals to address malnutrition effectively within care settings.