Malnutrition is not limited to children; it also affects adults. According to Doctor Dao Thi Yen Thuy, Head of the Nutrition - Dietetics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, malnutrition often develops subtly and is hard to detect in adults under middle age. Many individuals only recognize it when they experience unexplained weight loss, clothes becoming looser, muscle weakness, memory impairment, or persistent fatigue.

In older adults, symptoms are often more pronounced due to the natural aging process of the digestive system, which reduces appetite and nutrient absorption. Some individuals may also experience minor abdominal pain, indigestion, or other digestive disorders.

Doctor Thuy states that even with sufficient food and sleep, adult malnutrition typically stems from two primary causes: unhealthy lifestyle habits and poor digestive absorption.

Specifically, poor absorption can result from: gut microbiome imbalance, intestinal lining damage, food allergies, or the effects of liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic diseases. This condition causes nutrients to be expelled from the body rather than being metabolized and utilized.

Habits such as abusing stimulants, lacking physical activity, or misusing water-retention weight gain medications can also disrupt the metabolic process. Consequently, despite consuming ample food, the body remains frail and accumulates toxins.

An unhealthy digestive system can affect nutrient absorption even with adequate food. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

An unhealthy digestive system can affect nutrient absorption even with adequate food. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Yen Thuy emphasizes that improving weight requires patience and synchronized lifestyle adjustments. Individuals should avoid suddenly increasing food intake, as this can overload the digestive system. The daily diet should provide appropriate energy from carbohydrates such as rice, bread, and tubers, combined with protein- and fat-rich dishes to boost energy density.

In addition to three main meals, those needing to gain weight can incorporate snacks like milk, pastries, and tubers. Consuming one yogurt daily is recommended to stimulate digestion and enhance absorption. Nutritional supplementation must be accompanied by adequate water intake and moderate physical activity to stimulate appetite. Furthermore, everyone needs sufficient rest and stress alleviation to help the body recover its physical condition.

When symptoms such as rapid weight loss, prolonged fatigue, or digestive disorders appear, patients should consult a nutrition specialist. A doctor can assess the risk of chronic energy deficiency based on body mass index (BMI), combined with the degree of weight loss, dietary habits, muscle mass status, and necessary biochemical tests to identify the underlying cause. From this assessment, the doctor can develop a suitable, individualized nutrition plan for each patient.

Malnutrition reduces quality of life and weakens the immune system, causing chronic diseases like hepatitis, musculoskeletal disorders, or asthma to progress rapidly and increasing the risk of infection.

Bui Duc