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Self-Screening Results

If you are worried about weight loss, to help you check if you are losing too much weight and are at risk of becoming malnourished, BAPEN has developed a simple screening tool you can use along with advice to follow if you are at risk of becoming malnourished.

This screening tool is based on the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’), a validated nutrition screening tool developed by BAPEN to help identify adults at risk of undernutrition and the need for dietary advice. ‘MUST’ is the most common nutritional screening tool used by healthcare professionals throughout the UK. However, studies have shown that patients can screen themselves effectively using a simplified version of ‘MUST’ similar to the one provided here. If you have any concerns please discuss them with your GP or healthcare professional.

All you need to do is to enter your current weight and your height in the calculator below and then enter the weight you were 3 – 6 months ago before you became ill or lost weight.

Self-Screening Calculator

Complete all relevant fields and click/tap the 'show results' button.

ft
in
st
lb
st
lb

BMI*:

  kg/m2

Unplanned Weight Loss:

 %

Risk Category:

 

Results:

5 steps to help yourself

If you suspect malnutrition you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. In the meantime there are a few things you can do to try and slow any further weight loss:

1

1. Eat “little and often” by having small meals with snacks in between

2

2. Swap “diet”, “low calorie” or “low fat” options to those that contain fat and sugar

i.e. “normal calorie” equivalents. e.g. whole milk rather than semi-skimmed

3

3. Choose simple meals and snacks to make eating as easy as possible

4

4. Keep a stock of your favourite high calorie foods within easy reach

(Thick and creamy yogurts, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, cheese and crackers)

5

5. Try milky drinks between meals and before going to bed

(Full fat milk, milky coffee, Horlicks, Ovaltine, hot chocolate)

For further ideas please click here to download a fact sheet