Malnutrition – more common than you think

Malnutrition Awareness Week (14–18 September 2026) is an opportunity to raise awareness of a serious but often overlooked health issue affecting many Australians.

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive enough energy, protein and nutrients to maintain health and wellbeing. While many people associate malnutrition with extreme hunger, it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds and is particularly common among older adults and people living with chronic health conditions.

Research shows that 2 in 5 aged care residents, and 1 in 3 adult hospital patients are affected by malnutrition, despite often being preventable and treatable.

Why malnutrition matters

Malnutrition can have a significant impact on a person’s health, independence and quality of life. It is associated with:

Longer hospital stays

Increased risk of infections and complications

Delayed wound healing

Reduced strength and mobility

Higher rates of hospital readmission

Increased mortality

Greater healthcare costs.

Early identification and intervention can make a substantial difference to health outcomes.

Recognising the signs

The signs of malnutrition are not always obvious. Symptoms may include:

Loss of appetite

Unexplained weight loss

Loss of strength or increased difficulty performing daily activities

Muscle wasting

Hair loss

Paler skin

Fatigue

Mental confusion

Poor wound healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional support.

Integrated approach to prevention and support

At Better Health Network, addressing malnutrition is a shared effort across several services.

Dietitians

Dietitians play a key role in assessing nutritional risk and providing personalised advice to help individuals meet their nutrition needs. This may include strategies to improve appetite, increase protein and energy intake, manage medical conditions and support healthy ageing.

Learn more about dietetics.

Diabetes educators

People living with diabetes can be at increased risk of nutritional challenges due to changes in appetite, illness, medication use or other health conditions. Diabetes educators work closely with clients to support blood glucose management while ensuring nutritional needs are met.

Learn more about diabetes education.

Nursing

Nurses often identify early signs of malnutrition through routine health assessments. They also support people with wound care, chronic disease management and monitoring changes in weight and overall health.

Find out more about our nursing service.

Dementia and aged care support

People living with dementia may experience difficulties with eating, drinking, meal preparation or recognising hunger. Supporting nutrition is an important part of maintaining health, wellbeing and independence for people living with dementia and their carers.

Find out more about our dementia support service.

Small changes can make a big difference

Preventing malnutrition starts with recognising the signs and seeking help early. Simple interventions such as improving meal quality, increasing protein intake, addressing swallowing difficulties or accessing professional nutrition support can help people maintain strength, independence and quality of life.

During Malnutrition Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to learn more about the signs of malnutrition and the support available.

If you are concerned about your nutrition or the nutrition of a family member, speak with your healthcare professional or contact our team on 132 246 to learn about available support services.

This article has been developed as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week Australia & New Zealand. Statistics and information are based on resources from Malnutrition Awareness Week and the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AuSPEN). To learn more about malnutrition, its impacts and available support, visit www.malnutritionweek.com.au