Background and aim: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in old age has shown to have negative consequences with regard to increased frequency of disease and functional dependency of other people. It is recommended to be aware of unintentional weight loss in old age, as a measure for PEM. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the prevalence of unintended weight loss and associated nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) among elderly in a Danish general practice. Design and method: A case-based study of patients aged 70 years or above associated to a general practice in Denmark was conducted. This case study included a questionnaire-based investigation about weight loss, and a qualitative sub-group analysis about NIS, based on a literature search, in patients who claimed unintended weight loss >1 Kg. Results: The study included 234 patients with mean age 76.9 (SD: 5.9). The prevalence of claimed unintentional weight loss was 17.5%. The substudy enrolled 12 patients with unintentional weight loss, mean age: 78.9 years (SD: 6.9). The prevalence of chronic disease among the sub-study population was 91.7%. The feeling of early satiety, lack of appetite and eating alone, were the most prevalent NIS with 58.3% each, followed by polypharmacy (41.7%). Moreover, being alone and eating alone were the most frequently mentioned NIS. Conclusion:The prevalence of unintended weight loss was 17.5%. Of the NIS studied, early satiety, lack of appetite, eating alone and polypharmacy were the most frequent. Preventing unintentional weight loss and thus PEM and its unwanted health related consequences may be achieved through increased focus on selected nutritional impact symptoms.
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