Undernutrition: understanding, preventing and treating

Undernutrition is a serious issue, but one that is still too little known. Yet 2 million people in France suffer from it.

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Undernutrition occurs when there is a lack of food intake, but it can also be due to an increase in energy and protein losses, or an increase in energy requirements not covered by the body(Ameli). Unlike malnutrition, which includes both under- and over-nutrition, undernutrition focuses on a nutritional deficiency. The elderly, the sick and children are most at risk.

To raise awareness and combat undernutrition, the Semaine de la Dénutrition (Undernutrition Week) is held every year in November. The aim of the week is to inform and mobilize people around the issues surrounding undernutrition, its causes and consequences, and the means of preventing and treating it. This year, it will take place from November 12 to 19, 2024(Fight against undernutrition).

Understanding undernutrition

Causes of undernutrition

Assurance Maladie identifies several causes of undernutrition:

- Loss of appetite caused by isolation, moving into a nursing home, hospitalization, prolonged pain, chronic illness or alcoholism

- Difficult access to food due to poverty or reduced mobility

- A voluntary or imposed restrictive diet

- Psychological disorders: anorexia nervosa, depression, addictions, Alzheimer's disease

- Uncompensated energy costs

- An increase in the body's needs due to an infectious disease, hyperthyroidism, burns or extensive wounds

- Chronic digestive problems

- Treatment or major surgery

Consequences of undernutrition

Undernutrition has devastating effects on health(Ameli):

- Poor healing after surgery or a wound

- Reduced immunity, which can lead to more frequent infections and less effective vaccination

- Weakened muscles, reduced physical activity and increased risk of falls

- Poor digestion and constipation due to slow stomach emptying

- Irritability, depressive tendencies, difficulty concentrating and memory problems

- Hormonal imbalance

- Greater sensitivity to cold

Undernutrition therefore has an impact not only on physical health, but also on quality of life, which can be severely affected by reduced autonomy in carrying out daily activities.

Signs and symptoms of undernutrition

It's essential to recognize the signs of undernutrition so you can intervene quickly. The following signs should alert you:

- Smaller and/or less frequent meals

- Involuntary weight loss

- Fatigue and muscle weakness

These signs may be accompanied by other symptoms:

- Fragile psychological and emotional state

- Mobility difficulties

- Illness(es) in the last 3 months...

If you notice one or more of these signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications. In fact, an early diagnosis will enable to combat undernutrition more effectively. A doctor will be able to detect the pathology through indices such as the IMS, and identify deficiencies through blood tests.

Prevention and treatment of undernutrition

Strategies for preventing undernutrition

To prevent undernutrition as effectively as possible, it is important to pay attention to the following points(Guide de lutte contre la dénutrition):

- Eat a balanced, regular and varied diet

- Maintaining good dental hygiene

- Regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, strengthening muscles or even gardening.

It is also crucial to provide information on undernutrition through awareness-raising and education programs on nutritional needs. Health professionals must prevent, inform and advise their patients.  

Treatment of undernutrition

Once the condition has been detected, a healthcare professional will give you a treatment plan to follow, including a diet adapted to the patient's specific needs. The doctor will also advise patients to enrich their meals with proteins, for example. In some cases, dietary supplements may be necessary. Regular monitoring enables the treatment to be adjusted according to results and observations.

Testimonials and initiatives on undernutrition

Testimonial on undernutrition

René, 89, recounts his battle against undernutrition caused by his cancer treatment. Despite a loss of appetite and weight, René resists by using tricks to make his meals more appetizing and by taking nutritional supplements. René insists on the importance of talking about undernutrition, especially in the elderly, to improve care and support. The support of his loved ones illustrates the significant difference that family and community support can make.

Initiatives and programs in support of undernutrition

Numerous associations and organizations are working to combat undernutrition. The mission of the Collectif de Lutte contre la Dénutrition (CLD) is to raise awareness of undernutrition, and every year it organizes the national undernutrition week, during which the following events take place:

- Information and awareness-raising stands

- Culinary workshops on enriching dishes

- Conferences on undernutrition and its challenges

- Adapted physical activity sessions

- Distribution of information leaflets...

These awareness-raising campaigns are mainly carried out by EHPAD (nursing homes), independent residences, SSR (follow-up and rehabilitation care), CCAS (communal social action centers), associations or by social welfare and mutual insurance organizations.

The role of the company in the fight against undernutrition

Donations to associations fighting malnutrition

Companies can play a significant role in the fight against undernutrition by financially supporting dedicated associations such as the Collectif de Lutte contre la Dénutrition. Donations enable these organizations to carry out field actions, distribute nutritious meals and organize awareness-raising campaigns.

Preventing undernutrition

During National Undernutrition Week and all year round, companies can get involved in preventing undernutrition within their own structures. To do so, they can run awareness campaigns or organize events and workshops to inform as many people as possible about undernutrition. You can also offer regular activities to promote your employees' well-being.

SPART is your ally in bringing sport into the workplace! Corporate sport with SPART means a closer-knit team in better physical and mental health.

These initiatives in favor of this public health issue can not only help prevent undernutrition by improving the health and well-being of employees, but also reinforce the company's social commitment to taking action on a public health issue.

FAQ on undernutrition: understanding, preventing and treating it

1. What is undernutrition and how is it different from malnutrition?

Undernutrition is a nutritional deficiency due to a lack of food intake, increased energy and protein losses, or energy requirements not covered by the body. Unlike malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, undernutrition focuses solely on nutritional insufficiency.

2. What are the main signs and symptoms of undernutrition?

Signs of undernutrition include smaller and/or less frequent meals, involuntary weight loss, fatigue and muscle weakness. Additional symptoms may include a fragile psychological and emotional state, difficulty getting around and frequent illness.

3. What are the common causes of undernutrition?

The causes of undernutrition can be varied: loss of appetite due to isolation, hospitalization, chronic illness, difficult access to food, restrictive diets, psychological disorders (such as depression or anorexia), uncompensated energy expenditure, infectious diseases, and chronic digestive disorders.

4. How can undernutrition be prevented?

To prevent undernutrition, it is crucial to eat a balanced, regular and diversified diet, maintain good dental hygiene and engage in regular physical activity. Awareness-raising and education programs on nutritional requirements are also important to inform the public and health professionals.

5. What treatments are available for undernutrition?

Treatment of undernutrition includes a dietary plan adapted to the patient's specific needs, often enriched with protein. Food supplements may be necessary in certain cases. Regular monitoring enables treatment to be adjusted according to progress and observations.

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Undernutrition is a major health problem, but with increased awareness and concrete action, it can be effectively prevented and treated.

During Undernutrition Week, pledge to better understand this scourge, take action to combat it, and support those who suffer from it! 🥗💪

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Candice Lhomme