What should I do if I am malnourished?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is a significant contributor to disease and death worldwide. If you suspect you are malnourished, it is important to take immediate and cautious steps toward recovery, prioritizing safety and professional medical guidance.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the critical steps for addressing undernutrition, from consulting a healthcare provider to implementing dietary adjustments. It covers identifying symptoms, the importance of gradual refeeding to avoid complications like refeeding syndrome, and utilizing high-protein, high-energy foods and supplements to aid recovery.

Key Points

See a Doctor First: Never attempt to treat significant malnutrition on your own; consult a healthcare professional immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan to avoid serious complications like refeeding syndrome.
Start Refeeding Cautiously: The reintroduction of food must be gradual, especially in severe cases, to prevent dangerous electrolyte shifts. Medical supervision is vital during this initial phase.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Incorporate small, frequent meals of high-calorie and high-protein foods, and consider fortifying meals with extra fats and proteins.
Utilise Nutritional Supplements: Oral nutritional drinks or supplements can help increase calorie and nutrient intake, but should be used under a doctor's or dietitian's guidance.
Address Underlying Causes: Identify and manage the root cause of the malnutrition, which can range from chronic illness and eating disorders to social or financial challenges.
Seek Practical Support: For those with reduced mobility or difficulty preparing food, local services or home care visitors can provide essential assistance.

Step 1: Seek Medical Guidance Immediately

If you are wondering what should I do if I am malnourished, the most important first step is to consult a healthcare professional, such as a GP or a dietitian. This is especially critical if you have experienced unintentional weight loss, a significant decrease in appetite, or other symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or feeling cold. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the type and severity of your malnutrition and create a safe and effective treatment plan. For severely malnourished individuals, unsupervised refeeding can be dangerous and lead to a potentially fatal condition called refeeding syndrome. A doctor will assess your overall health, measure your body mass index (BMI), and may order blood tests to check for specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

What to expect during a medical consultation

During your appointment, the healthcare provider will take a comprehensive medical history and discuss any underlying issues that may be contributing to your condition, such as chronic illness, mental health problems, or financial difficulties. Based on this assessment, they will determine the best course of action. For those with severe malnutrition, hospitalisation may be necessary for close monitoring and treatment. In less severe cases, a dietitian-led plan may be developed for implementation at home.

Step 2: Implement a Safe Dietary Strategy

Your recovery will depend on gradually increasing your nutritional intake. A dietitian is key to crafting a personalized diet plan that includes nutrient-dense foods and avoids overwhelming your system.

Fortify your foods: This involves adding extra energy and protein to your regular meals without significantly increasing the portion size.

Add butter, margarine, or oil generously to potatoes, pasta, or vegetables.
Use full-fat milk, yoghurt, or cream instead of low-fat versions.
Sprinkle grated cheese over savory dishes, or add skimmed milk powder to soups, stews, and milk drinks.

Eat small, frequent meals: For many who are malnourished, a large meal can be intimidating and uncomfortable. Eating six to eight smaller meals and snacks throughout the day can help increase overall calorie and nutrient intake without causing discomfort.

Choose nutrient-dense snacks: Incorporate high-energy snacks like nuts, cheese and crackers, Greek yoghurt, or milk-based smoothies.

The importance of supplements

In many cases, dietary changes alone are not enough, and your doctor may recommend nutritional drinks or supplements. These can provide a concentrated source of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is crucial to use these supplements under medical supervision to ensure you are getting the correct dosages and to prevent potential side effects.

Step 3: Understand and Prevent Refeeding Syndrome

Refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly after a period of starvation. It is characterised by sudden shifts in electrolytes and fluid, which can lead to heart failure, respiratory failure, and other severe health issues.

How to prevent refeeding syndrome

Prevention is managed by a healthcare team and typically involves starting with a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate intake and gradually increasing it over several days. Close monitoring of blood electrolyte levels (specifically phosphate, potassium, and magnesium) is essential during this initial phase. Your medical team may also prescribe a daily multivitamin and thiamine supplement.

Comparison of At-Home vs. Hospital-Based Malnutrition Treatment


Feature	At-Home Treatment	Hospital-Based Treatment
Severity	Mild to moderate cases.	Severe cases or those at high risk of refeeding syndrome.
Environment	Comfortable, familiar home setting.	Clinical, sterile environment with constant medical supervision.
Treatment Focus	Dietary changes, oral supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.	Intensive medical and nutritional support.
Monitoring	Regular check-ups with GP and dietitian.	Continuous monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels.
Feeding Methods	Fortified foods, oral supplements.	May include feeding tubes (nasogastric or PEG) or intravenous (parenteral) nutrition.
Support Services	Can involve family, friends, and meal delivery services.	Access to a full multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, psychologists, and social workers.

Step 4: Address Underlying Causes and Seek Support

Malnutrition is often a symptom of a larger issue. Identifying and addressing the root cause is crucial for a successful long-term recovery. Underlying issues can include chronic illness, an eating disorder, financial hardship, or reduced mobility.

Chronic illness: Work with your doctor to manage conditions that affect appetite or nutrient absorption, such as cancer, Crohn's disease, or COPD.
Mental health: If depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder is a factor, professional counselling and support are essential for recovery.
Practical support: For those who have difficulty shopping or cooking, services like 'meals on wheels' or home care visitors can be invaluable.

Regular physical activity can also help to increase appetite and build muscle strength, but it should be introduced gradually and only with medical approval.

Conclusion

If you find yourself asking, "What should I do if I am malnourished?", the answer begins with immediate medical consultation. Self-treating can be dangerous, especially with the risk of refeeding syndrome. A healthcare professional will provide a safe pathway to recovery, likely involving a personalized dietary plan with nutrient-dense foods, supplements, and addressing any underlying medical or psychosocial issues. By following expert advice and seeking support, you can safely and effectively restore your health and well-being. For more information on dietary management, consult reliable sources like the British Dietetic Association (BDA) at.

Resources and Support

Dietitians Association of Australia: Provides resources and helps locate an accredited practising dietitian.
NHS Malnutrition information: Offers guidance on symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Cleveland Clinic Malnutrition Guide: Provides comprehensive information on all aspects of malnutrition.
Action Against Hunger: Works globally to combat malnutrition and hunger.

Remember, early intervention is key. Do not hesitate to seek help if you or a loved one shows signs of malnutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Symptoms of malnutrition can include unintentional weight loss, a low Body Mass Index (BMI), fatigue, weakness, reduced appetite, and a weakened immune system that leads to frequent infections. Hair loss and poor wound healing are also common signs.

Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly after a period of starvation. It causes severe shifts in electrolytes like phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, which can lead to heart failure, seizures, and respiratory problems.

If you have a small appetite, focus on eating small, frequent meals and snacks (6-8 times a day). Fortify your food with extra calories and protein, such as adding butter, cream, or milk powder to meals. Drinking milky drinks or smoothies between meals can also help boost your intake.

You should see a doctor if you've lost a significant amount of weight unintentionally (5-10% in 3-6 months), have a very low BMI, or experience other symptoms like severe fatigue or changes in appetite. It is also important to seek help if you suspect an eating disorder or if you are concerned about a child or older person.

Yes, nutritional supplements like high-calorie drinks or vitamin and mineral powders can be very helpful. However, they should only be used on the advice of a healthcare professional to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs and to avoid any adverse effects.

Nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals are recommended. Examples include full-fat dairy products, eggs, nuts, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Fortifying regular meals with ingredients like oil, butter, and cheese can also help.

Various underlying issues can cause or worsen malnutrition. Chronic illnesses like cancer or COPD can increase nutrient demand or reduce appetite, while mental health conditions like depression or eating disorders can impact eating habits. Addressing these issues is crucial for successful and lasting recovery.