More Frequent Nutrition Counseling Limits Weight Loss and Improves Energy Intake During Oncology Management: A Longitudinal Inpatient Study in Taiwan

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition increases the risk of cancer treatment-related complications. Nutritional intervention is beneficial for the outcomes of outpatients with cancer. This study investigated the impacts of nutrition consultation and care on energy intake and weight change in inpatients receiving cancer treatment.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study, enrolling 3221 inpatients with head and neck, lung, hepatobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, breast, or gynecological cancer who received at least two nutrition consultations between April 2010 and July 2015. In every consultation, a dietitian calculated the total energy requirement and the actual energy intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall.

Results: Patients with head and neck cancer lost the most weight (1.16 kg/mo). For every consultation, a 0.03-kg weight gain per month was observed (P = 0.001). The average energy consumption percentage (% estimated energy requirement) at the third consultation was 87.0%. After controlling for potential covariates, the energy consumption percentages at the third, fourth, fifth-seventh, eighth, and subsequent consultations were significantly higher than those at the first consultation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: For oncology inpatients, routine screening and at least three active nutrition consultations with dietitians effectively improved energy intake and preserved body weight.