MALNUTRITION is a "very big problem" in the UK, experts have warned, with an estimated three million older people suffering across the country
One in ten older people in the UK are malnourished, experts have said
Most people think of the condition as a "third world problem", but one in ten older people in the UK are malnourished, the British Dietetic Association and the Malnutrition Task Force said.
Officials said that tackling malnutrition in adults could save the NHS as much as £45.5 million a year.
"For far too long, malnutrition and dehydration has been thought of as a third world problem," said Helen Davidson, honorary chair of the British Dietetic Association - the professional body for UK dietitians.
"The reality is, malnutrition and dehydration is a very big problem here in the UK."
Officials said that tackling malnutrition in adults could save the NHS as much as £45.5 million a year.
"For far too long, malnutrition and dehydration has been thought of as a third world problem," said Helen Davidson, honorary chair of the British Dietetic Association - the professional body for UK dietitians.
"The reality is, malnutrition and dehydration is a very big problem here in the UK."
Malnutrition is a "very big problem" in the UK, experts warned
For far too long, malnutrition and dehydration has been thought of as a third world problem
Malnutrition Task Force task force chair Dianne Jeffrey added: "One in ten older people are malnourished and 93 per cent of them are in the community.
This is where it starts for many people, so we must make every effort to improve prevention and early detection of malnutrition.
"There are many different causes and factors that contribute to malnutrition and addressing them requires the concerted effort of all stakeholders.
"Together, we can combat preventable malnutrition effectively and thus improve the health of older people, maintain their independence and save money for the local health economy too."
Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when a person's diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.
This is where it starts for many people, so we must make every effort to improve prevention and early detection of malnutrition.
"There are many different causes and factors that contribute to malnutrition and addressing them requires the concerted effort of all stakeholders.
"Together, we can combat preventable malnutrition effectively and thus improve the health of older people, maintain their independence and save money for the local health economy too."
Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when a person's diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.
