A person overwhelmed by food choices in a grocery store, symbolizing the challenges of identifying and addressing malnutrition.

Hidden Hunger: Are You Overlooking Malnutrition?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the silent risks of malnutrition, even in developed countries, and learn how to safeguard your health."

When you think of malnutrition, images of severe famine might come to mind. But the reality is that malnutrition, often referred to as 'hidden hunger', is a concern that affects people in developed nations as well. It's a subtle but serious issue that can easily go unnoticed, impacting health and well-being.

This article dives into the often-overlooked prevalence of malnutrition, exploring research and real-world examples that highlight the risks. We'll break down the key signs to watch for and, more importantly, provide actionable steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Whether you're looking to optimize your own health, support a loved one, or simply become more informed, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to address malnutrition head-on.

The Surprising Prevalence of Malnutrition

A person overwhelmed by food choices in a grocery store, symbolizing the challenges of identifying and addressing malnutrition.

Malnutrition isn't always obvious. It can affect individuals of all shapes and sizes, sometimes masked by conditions like being overweight or obese. How is this possible? It's a matter of getting enough calories versus enough of the right nutrients. Studies from various hospitals and outpatient settings show the hidden reality of malnutrition, challenging our assumptions.

One study presented at Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2018) examined malnutrition in outpatient settings. The researchers used the 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' (MUST) to assess patients and found that 25% were at risk of malnutrition. This number aligns with other UK screening data, revealing that a significant portion of the population may be undernourished without even realizing it.

MUST Score: The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is a five-step screening tool to identify adults, who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition (undernutrition) or obese. It includes BMI (Body Mass Index), weight loss in the last 3-6 months and acute disease effect.
The Numbers: MUST assigns scores based on specific criteria. For example, a score of 1 indicates a medium risk, while a score of 2 or more signifies a high risk of malnutrition.
Action Plans: In the study, when patients scored a 1 or higher on the MUST assessment, clinicians documented actions ranging from referrals to dietitians to personalized monitoring plans. In many cases, clinicians took action based on these elevated risk levels.

Another study within University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust found that a surprising number of critically ill patients were overweight (39.8%), while a smaller percentage were undernourished (6.8%). This highlights that malnutrition isn't always linked to being underweight; people of all sizes can suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

Take Control of Your Nutritional Health

Malnutrition can have profound effects, but the good news is that with awareness and proactive steps, you can mitigate the risks and safeguard your health. By understanding the signs, seeking professional guidance when needed, and focusing on a balanced diet, you can ensure you're getting the nutrients you need to thrive. Don't let hidden hunger compromise your well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'hidden hunger' and why is it a concern even in developed countries?

'Hidden hunger' is another term for malnutrition, which isn't just about lacking calories but also about not getting the right nutrients. This is a concern in developed countries because people of all sizes, even those who are overweight or obese, can suffer from nutrient deficiencies. This can happen when diets are high in calories but low in essential vitamins and minerals, leading to a subtle but serious impact on health and well-being. This may require the use of tools like the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool(MUST) to identify.

How does the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) work, and what do the scores indicate?

The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is a five-step screening tool designed to identify adults who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition (undernutrition), or obese. It considers factors like Body Mass Index (BMI), weight loss over the past 3-6 months, and the effects of acute disease. The MUST assigns scores based on these criteria; for example, a score of 1 suggests a medium risk, while a score of 2 or more indicates a high risk of malnutrition. Clinicians then use these scores to determine appropriate actions, such as referrals to dietitians or personalized monitoring plans. Although MUST may be helpful it is not the only tool to screen for malnutrition.

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust study showed that many critically ill patients were overweight. How does this relate to malnutrition?

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust study revealed that a significant portion of critically ill patients were overweight (39.8%), while a smaller percentage were undernourished (6.8%). This highlights that malnutrition isn't exclusively linked to being underweight. Individuals of all sizes can suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Overweight or obese individuals may still lack essential vitamins and minerals, leading to malnutrition despite having sufficient or excess caloric intake. This relates to the importance of focusing on nutrient-dense foods rather than simply calorie-dense foods. This implies the need for a balanced diet.

What actions can be taken based on the MUST assessment scores to address malnutrition risks?

When patients score a 1 or higher on the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) assessment, clinicians typically document actions ranging from referrals to dietitians to personalized monitoring plans. In many cases, clinicians take action based on these elevated risk levels. This can include dietary advice, nutritional support, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that patients receive the nutrients they need to improve their health. These actions are crucial for addressing malnutrition early and preventing further health complications.

What steps can individuals take to safeguard their health and mitigate the risks of malnutrition, regardless of their weight?

To safeguard health and mitigate the risks of malnutrition, individuals can take proactive steps such as understanding the signs of malnutrition, seeking professional guidance when needed, and focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. This includes consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals and registered dietitians can also help identify and address any nutritional deficiencies, regardless of weight. Tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) can also provide useful insight.