Malnutrition is a real problem here in New Mexico

Malnutrition is an underrecognized health problem that results in both immediate and long-term consequences.

It is defined as a nutrition imbalance that can occur in both underweight and overweight individuals. Malnutrition is often overlooked, specifically in individuals who are classified as normal weight, overweight or obese. Food insecurity and access to nutritious foods amplify the risk of malnutrition. In 2020, the prevalence of food insecurity in

New Mexico was 12.9 percent and in 2022, 20 percent of seniors (60 and over) were food insecure. Additionally, New Mexico has one of the highest rates of child food insecurity in the country. In 2019, 22 percent of New Mexico children were food insecure.

Malnutrition costs the state of New Mexico an additional $92.5 million per year due to malnutrition-associated consequences. In 2019, a study by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition concluded that one in three hospitalized patients are at risk for malnutrition, which leads to an increased risk of adverse health complications. Malnutrition may also lead to the development of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease. Approximately one in three New Mexico adults 45 years old and older have been diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases.

Adequate nutrition is vital for overall health. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared Sept. 19-23 as Malnutrition Awareness

Week. This is an opportunity for New Mexico healthcare professionals, policymakers and nonprofit organizations to work collectively to combat malnutrition. It is important that acute care providers screen patients for malnutrition and provide interventions as needed to reduce the risk of further malnutrition-related complications. Malnutrition is a preventable condition that must be addressed to improve patient health outcomes and the health of all New Mexicans.