Neck Circumference of Older Adults Is Associated With Their Nutritional Status

A study of the ratio between the perimeter of the neck of people living in senior communities and the probability of malnutrition published in Nutrition offers clues that could inform corrective actions to be taken, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers found values below 37.8 cm in males and 35.2 cm in females signal risk. The team cross-checked the anthropometric data of 352 seniors from five public homes in Zaragoza, Spain, average age 83, with their answers in a nutritional assessment. Statistical calculations measured this connection, which verified that the circumference of the neck, along with that of the calf, can best predict risk of malnutrition among residents. Following the detection of malnutrition risk, a complete nutritional assessment must be conducted, and other clinical and analytical parameters considered to rate malnourishment. If suspicions are confirmed, a remedial intervention must be performed immediately.