Malnutrition is more likely to happen when people:  

• Do not understand how to eat a healthy diet
• Do not feel hungry
• Need to avoid certain foods
• Have problems with tasting, chewing, swallowing, and digesting food
• Have problems shopping for food
• Live alone (particularly for older men) or in an institution
• Cannot afford food

The following conditions can lead to malnutrition:

• Recent surgery or hospital stay
• Alcohol or substance use
• Cognitive impairment (problems with thinking and remembering)
• Inability to exercise
• Depression
• Pain
• Certain medications and diseases

Last Updated January 2023