Malnutrition catches Commission’s attention

With the fight against obesity currently at the centre of politicial attention, the Commission has started to acknowledge that another form of inadequate nutrition – malnutrition – also deserves consideration, particularly in the context of ageing societies.

“The healthcare cost of malnutrition is similar in magnitude to that of obesity,” said Robert Madelin, the Commission’s director general for health, addressing a forum on nutrition in care homes on 23 November 2007.

The conference brought together experts and policy makers to discuss the causes of malnutrition and the lack of medical and political interest in the problem, and to identify concrete actions to respond to the challenge. 

Malnutrition is generally defined as a medical condition caused by an inadequate or insufficient diet, which can have adverse health effects. In wealthy societies, mineral and nutrient deficiencies are a particular problem for older people.

According to the conference organisers, an estimated 40 to 80% of elderly people in care homes are at risk of being undernourished, even when high quality food is available. This is said to result from “the lack of mobility, having to rely on others, physical and mental regression and financial limitations”. By increasing the risk of complications and leading to the deterioration of the overall physical and mental situation of the individual, undernutrition can lead to premature death. 

Madelin stressed that malnutrition needs to be addressed in the community, citing a social culture which has lost respect for food and suggesting as a first step to improve data on the causes of malnutrition. 

He also urged those working in nutrition and related areas to join forces to develop campaign strategies that include EU common best practice guidelines to deliver optimum nutrition in hospitals, care homes and the community. 

The EU Health Strategy 2008-2013 listed healthy ageing and healthy life years (HLY) as important factors for the sustainability of public finances, which is under pressure from rising healthcare and social security costs due to the ageing society (see EURACTIV 25/10/2007).

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