Malnutrition Awareness Weekand Chronic Disease: Impacts Throughout the Lifespan

This week marks Malnutrition Awareness Week, led by ASPEN, and it’s a chance to shine a light on a health issue that often goes unnoticed. When most people hear “malnutrition,” they imagine extreme thinness or famine. But malnutrition simply means poor nutrition. You don’t have to be underweight to be malnourished—anyone can experience it if their diet lacks the right balance of nutrients. Malnutrition can occur in those who are undernourished, but also in those who are overweight or appear healthy on the outside.

Why Malnutrition Matters

Malnutrition is more common in the United States than many realize. Millions of Americans struggle with food insecurity, while others fill up on calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods. This imbalance can weaken the immune system, slow healing, and over time, set the stage for chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Think of nutrition like the foundation of a house. If the base is cracked or uneven, the house may stand for a while, but over time it becomes unstable. Similarly, when our bodies don’t get the nourishment they need—whether too little protein, too much sugar, or not enough vitamins and minerals—small cracks begin to form. We may notice fatigue, frequent illness, or slower recovery from injury. Left unchecked, these cracks can widen into lifelong health challenges.

Risks Across the Lifespan

The effects of poor nutrition don’t belong to one age group—they can show up at any stage of life.

• In early development, malnutrition may affect growth and learning, setting the stage for chronic disease later on.

• In teens and young adults, restrictive diets, eating disorders, or under-fueling in sports can disrupt hormones, bone health, and energy levels.

• In adulthood, “hidden hunger” often appears when calorie intake is high but nutrient quality is low, or when restrictive dieting deprives the body of essentials.

• In later life, chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart failure can worsen malnutrition, leading to weight loss, muscle loss, and greater vulnerability.

These risks look different across the lifespan, but the thread that connects them is clear: malnutrition both contributes to and complicates chronic disease.

What to Watch For

Because malnutrition doesn’t always “look” obvious, it often goes undetected. Warning signs can include:

• Unintended weight loss or gain

• Loss of muscle strength or frequent fatigue

• Delayed healing from wounds or illness

• Changes in hair, skin, nails, etc.

• Diets heavily dependent on processed or convenience foods

• Skipping meals, following overly restrictive diets, or eating mostly one type of food

Recognizing these signs early is key. Addressing nutrition before complications arise can prevent much bigger health problems down the road.

Nourish to Flourish

The good news is that malnutrition is preventable and treatable. By raising awareness, we can catch poor nutrition early and intervene before it causes lasting harm. This Malnutrition Awareness Week, take a moment to think about your own nutrition or that of your loved ones. And, follow along this week as we highlight malnutrition in specific areas of life!

Working with a Dietitian through your health journey to create a sustainable, well-rounded diet. Dietitians are trained to help you balance calories, nutrients, and lifestyle in a way that supports your health for the long haul. Food is medicine—and investing in good nutrition today is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health for years to come.

Schedule an appointment today! BOOK HERE