Advice and resources : Treating malnutrition (MUST)

Overview

Not eating enough of the right things can lead to malnutrition. This might mean you feel more tired and find it difficult to concentrate. In some severe cases, malnutrition can lead to a higher risk of infections, falls and poor wound healing.

To support you, we use your body mass index (BMI) number and assess your level of risk using our malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Depending on your risk level and needs, we’ll work with you to create your care plan.

Are you worried about you or someone else being underweight or losing weight? 

• Find out more on the Malnutrition Pathway website
• Use BAPEN's MUST calculator
• Use BAPEN's malnourishment self-screening calculator

Our guides

Our guides can help your learn more about nutrition.

Documents for care professionals

If you’re a care professional, you can use these MUST assessments and care plans with your patients: 

External support

Malnutrition Pathway

Free educational resources for both professionals and patients that raise awareness of malnutrition arising from disease and chronic conditions and aim to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

• Visit the Malnutrition Pathway website
• Download information about frailty (PDF)
• Download information about prehabilitation (PDF)
• Download information about protein (PDF)

NHS UK

Physical activity can help to improve your health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. NHS UK has developed guidelines and advice for over-65s about staying active.

• Read about physical activity guidelines for older adults

BDA (Association of UK Dieticians)

Also known as the British Dietetic Association, the BDA website provides information for anyone interested in food and nutrition.

• Visit the BDA website

Ageing & Dementia Research Centre (ADRC)

The ADRC at Bournemouth University has developed a guide about nutrition for people supporting someone with dementia.

• Download the 'Eating and drinking well with dementia' guide (PDF)