Malnutrition in patients with obesity: An overview perspective

Abstract

Malnutrition in patients with obesity presents a complex and often overlooked clinical challenge. Although obesity is traditionally associated with overnutrition and excessive caloric intake, it can also coincide with varying degrees of malnutrition. The etiopathogenesis of obesity is multifaceted and may arise from several factors such as poor diet quality, nutrient deficiencies despite excess calorie consumption, genetics, and metabolic abnormalities affecting nutrient absorption and utilization. Moreover, a chronic low-grade inflammatory state resulting from excess adipose tissue, commonly observed in obesity, can further exacerbate malnutrition by altering nutrient metabolism and increasing metabolic demands. The dual burden of obesity and malnutrition poses significant risks, including immune dysfunction, delayed wound healing, anemia, metabolic disturbances, and deficiencies in micronutrients such as vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc, among others. Malnutrition is often neglected or not given enough attention in individuals with obesity undergoing rapid weight loss through aggressive caloric restriction, pharmacological therapies, and/or surgical interventions. These factors often exacerbate vulnerability to nutrition deficiencies. We advocate for healthcare practitioners to prioritize nutrition assessment and initiate medical intervention strategies tailored to address both excessive caloric intake and insufficient consumption of essential nutrients. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population about the critical role of adequate nutrition in caring for patients with obesity is vital for mitigating the adverse health effects associated with malnutrition in this population.

Keywords: bariatric surgery; bioelectric impedance analysis; body mass index; calf circumference; incretins; inflammation; malnutrition; micronutrient deficiencies; micronutrients; nutrition assessment; nutrition screening; obesity; skinfold thickness; ultraprocessed foods.