We have recently finished a pilot study to explore the prevalence of malnutrition in the rehabilitation setting. In 11 Dutch rehabilitation centers, nutritional status was determined in 366 patients who were classified as severely undernourished (BMI<18.5 (<65y) or <20 (≥65y) and/or unintentional weight loss ≥5% in the last month or ≥10% in the last six months), moderately undernourished (BMI 20-22 (≥65y) or 5-10% unintentional weight loss in the last six months) or not undernourished.
Out of all participating patients, 28% were severely undernourished and 10% were moderately undernourished. In 92% of the undernourished patients, unintentional weight loss was present. In the undernourished group, 28% was overweight (BMI 25-30) and 19% was obese (BMI>30).
The results of this study will be used for a future implementation project to improve screening and treatment of malnutrition in the rehabilitation setting as well.
Hertroijs et al (2012) Rehabilitation patients: undernourished and obese?