The recently published Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report by the OECD marks an important milestone in recognising malnutrition as a significant public health challenge.
MNI is pleased to see malnutrition highlighted so prominently in the publication, emphasising its prevalence among vulnerable populations and its broader impact on health systems across Europe.
The report highlights several key factors that resonate with MNI’s strategic priorities: to raise awareness about the importance of nutritional care, to ensure equitable access for patients, and promote its appropriate clinical use as a crucial aspect of healthcare policy. By integrating these priorities into healthcare systems, we can contribute to better health outcomes and more sustainable healthcare.
The findings include:
Malnutrition in older people
Deficiencies in specific nutrients are a significant health issue among older adults. They can manifest as involuntary weight loss and a very low body mass index, although this does not necessarily lead to weight loss. Approximately 23% of European adults over 65 are at high risk of malnutrition, particularly among those over 80, women, and individuals with comorbidities. Malnutrition contributes to deficiencies in specific nutrients, leading to involuntary weight loss and low body mass index.
Policies to promote healthy longevity must address important risk factors to ill-health among people at all ages, including physical inactivity, malnutrition, overweight and obesity, preventing falls and other injuries among older people, and social isolation.
Older people are at higher risk of falling for many reasons, including a loss of muscle and balance, physical inactivity, declining vision, the consumption of multiple medications, and malnutrition.
Even with enhanced prevention efforts, not all health issues in old age can be prevented. It is essential to ensure that older people receive the necessary care when they are ill, and that health systems are equipped to address the healthcare needs of a growing ageing population. Early diagnosis, equal access to person-centred and integrated care, and interventions that support health management and prevent further deterioration in health and functional status are crucial.
Malnutrition risk assessment
Malnutrition risk is identified using validated screening tools that assess nutritional intake, weight loss, BMI, and physical health, particularly among older adults.
Chronic coniditions
Chronic conditions are not only the leading causes of death across EU countries, but also reduce the quality of life of people living with such chronic conditions and represent a major disability burden, especially if the conditions are not properly managed. Many chronic conditions are preventable through modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, malnutrition and obesity.
Best regards,
MNI Secretariat
About the report
The OECD’s Health at a Glance: Europe report is a biennial publication that provides an overview of key health trends, challenges, and policy developments across European countries. It is produced collaboratively by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission. The report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders, offering data-driven insights into the state of health and healthcare systems in Europe.
