When you hear the word malnutrition, you may picture extreme hunger or food insecurity in distant parts of the world. But malnutrition is closer than many realize. It can affect children, adults, and older adults right here in our own communities.
Malnutrition happens when the body does not get the nutrients it needs to function well. It is not just about lacking food. Malnutrition can also occur when someone eats enough calories but not the right balance of vitamins, protein, or minerals. Over time, this can weaken the immune system, decrease energy, and make it harder to stay healthy.
Signs to Watch For
Malnutrition does not always look obvious. Some common signs include:
- Unplanned weight loss or loss of strength
- Fatigue or low energy
- Poor appetite
- Frequent illness or slow recovery from illness or injury
Why Awareness Matters
Good nutrition is essential at every stage of life.
- For children, it supports healthy growth and learning.
- For adults, it fuels productivity and resilience.
- For older adults, it helps maintain independence and prevents frailty.
Raising awareness means helping families, caregivers, and communities recognize the signs early and support healthier choices before problems become serious.
A Week of Awareness and Action
This September 8 to 12, UTMB Health is proud to serve as an official ambassador of ASPEN Malnutrition Awareness Week™ 2025. This year’s theme, “United Against Malnutrition,” is a call for everyone—including health professionals, families, and community members—to come together to promote nutrition and wellness.
ASPEN offers publicly available resources on malnutrition and nutrition care at www.nutritioncare.org/MAW. These include fact sheets, awareness tools, and information about how nutrition impacts health across the lifespan.
Taking the First Step
Start the conversation at home. Pay attention to appetite changes, make balanced meals a priority, and talk with a health care provider about nutrition if concerns arise. Small actions can have a lasting impact on health.
Together, we can be United Against Malnutrition.