Define the different causes of under nutrition?
1. Scales (Screening Tool): The basic biochemical and anthropometric parameters are used in this screening.
2. Recognizing the different causes of under nutrition by simple mnemonics - WEIGHT LOSS. Let us see what it stands for.
W - Wandering and forgetting to eat / weight loss due to 'anorexia of aging'.
E - Emotional /psychological problems like depression etc and their medication have effect on food intake.
I - Insufficient funds.
G - Gastrointestinal tract problems.
H - Hypo/hyperthyroid or other endocrine problems should be looked into as they cause weight loss, depression, gastrointestinal tract problem.
T - Tremors or other neurological problems interfering feeding.
L - Low salt or unappetizing diet due to diet restriction because of variety of medical illness.
0 - Oral problems like tooth loss or use of dentures also effects intake of food.
S - Swallowing - Dysphagia related various neurological problems.
S - Shopping and food preparation.