American Dietetic Association Publishes Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline for Unintended Weight Loss in Older Adults

FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Media contact: Jennifer Starkey
800/877-1600, ext. 4802
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association has published a new evidence-based nutrition practice guideline to assist registered dietitians on the appropriate nutrition care for older adults with unintended weight loss.

The guideline has been published on ADA’s online Evidence Analysis Library. It is designed to aid RDs in providing medical nutrition therapy for people 65 and older with unintended weight loss, defined as the loss of 5 percent of body weight in 30 days, 7.5 percent in 90 days or 10 percent in 180 days.

The primary goals of MNT for older adults with unintended weight loss are to increase intakes of calories, protein and nutrients, improve nutritional status and improve quality of life. “The guideline must be individualized, but it will assist the RD to successfully integrate medical nutrition therapy into the overall medical management of older adults with unintended weight loss,” according to the authors of the guideline.

“Studies support an association between increased mortality and underweight...and/or unintended weight loss,” according to the guideline, which contains recommendations for registered dietitians on health issues such as:

Instruments for nutrition screening
Assessment of food, fluid and nutrient intake
Collaboration for modified texture diets
Eating assistance
Monitoring and evaluating nutritional status.

ADA members including an expert workgroup and trained analysts extensively examined research to summarize this body of evidence and develop a series of recommendations and treatment algorithms. The intent of ADA’s guidelines is to support the integration of evidence-based dietetics practice and improve the quality of care.

All of ADA’s evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines are available on the Association’s Evidence Analysis Library, which analyzes and summarizes results of the best available research and offers recommendations for RDs in treating clients and patients. To date, 13 guidelines have been published. Others include adult weight management, celiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, critical illness, diabetes type 1 and 2, disorders of lipid metabolism, gestational diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hypertension, oncology, pediatric weight management and spinal cord injury.

Recommendations in ADA’s guidelines, as well as grades assigned to the strength of the scientific evidence used in supporting the recommendations, should not be interpreted as endorsements by the American Dietetic Association of any brand-name product or service. Consumers who want to know more about nutrition and health are encouraged to consult with a registered dietitian in their area.

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org/.

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For details on republishing information contained in ADA’s guidelines, visit www.adaevidencelibrary.com/content.cfm?content_code=help:faq.

Visit the Evidence Analysis Library