Daily Energy and Protein Intake Requirements to Prevent Body Weight Loss in Elderly Residents of Nursing Homes

Abstract

Background Maintaining body weight is crucial for preserving the health of older adults. This study aimed to identify the daily energy and protein intake levels necessary to prevent body weight loss exceeding 1 kg over a six-month period among nursing home residents. Methodology A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 residents aged ≥75 years. Data on body weight changes and dietary intake over a continuous six-month period were reviewed. The association between dietary intake and body weight loss greater than 1 kg was evaluated in 78 female residents. Results Among the 101 residents (23 males and 78 females; median age: 91 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 86-94); median body mass index (BMI): 21.3 kg/m² (IQR = 18.7-23.7)), 41% experienced a body weight loss of more than 1 kg over six months, despite receiving a median energy intake of 24.7 kcal/kg/day (IQR = 19.6-29.2) and a protein intake of 0.98 g/kg/day (IQR = 0.81-1.20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and BMI in female residents revealed that an energy intake exceeding 30 kcal/kg/day was significantly associated with a reduced risk of body weight loss (odds ratio (OR) = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.68, p = 0.013), as was protein intake exceeding 1.2 g/kg/day (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03-0.49, p = 0.003). Conclusions To prevent body weight loss in elderly female nursing home residents, a daily intake of at least 30 kcal/kg/day of energy and 1.2 g/kg/day of protein is recommended. These findings highlight the importance of proactive nutritional management in long-term care facilities to support better health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: adults aged 75 and over; body weight; elderly; energy intake; nursing home residents; protein intake; weight loss.