Feeding and Nutrition

 

Weight loss

Dysphagia, poor oral health and reduced ability to self-feed will affect nutrition in people after stroke.

In order to calculate nutritional risk you should also consider:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Any recent changes in weight
• Ability to eat
• Appetite
• Any physical and/or mental impairments

Screening tools such as the MUST consider:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) – this is calculated from an individual’s weight and height. A BMI of less than 18.5kg/m2 suggests a significant risk of malnutrition
• A history of recent weight loss that has happened without any intention to lose weight. The unintentional loss of more than 10% of normal body weight in the last 3 -6 months suggests a significant risk of malnutrition.

For more information about weight loss and risk of malnutrition go to: www.bapen.org.u.