Introduction: It’s estimated that 25% to 54% of hospitalized patients have some degree of malnutrition and dysphagia, in 25% of patients, is a factor that interferes with nutritional status, causing malnutrition and dehydration. Despite the increase in knowledge on the subject, little is known about the causal relationship between sarcopenia and swallowing disorders. This study aimed to evaluate a possible association between nutritional diagnosis and body composition with swallowing functionality in hospitalized patients. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study with inpatients of both sexes, aged over 19 years, malnourished by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), between August 2019 and March 2020. Demographic data were evaluated, clinical, functional scale of oral intake (FOIS), degree of malnutrition, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference or bioimpedance (BIA) and nutritional therapy extracted from medical records. Results: 227 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 77.9 years, 63.8% (n = 145) male, 38.3% (n = 87) admitted for pulmonary conditions, 45.8% ( n = 104) are underweight, 78.4% (n = 178) with severe malnutrition and 74% (n = 168) were with muscle depletion. According to the FOIS scale, 28.2% (n = 64) of the patints demonstrated conditions of total oral feeding with multiple consistencies, but with the need for special preparation. There was no statistically significant difference between FOIS and GLIM scales (p = 0.928), in relation to body composition, inadequate muscle mass was associated with a lower index on the FOIS scale (p = 0.014). The study pointed to a significant positive correlation (r) between swallowing functionality and BMI (r = 0.233; p <0.001). Conclusion: The study reinforces the importance of treating and preventing sarcopenic dysphagia, especially by adapting the consistency of diets orally, in addition to assessing the need for supplementation or alternative routes.