Healthcare costs in the U.S. are higher than any other country,2 and a major contributor of that cost is treating chronic diseases. A complicating factor is that one in two older adults are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition when admitted to the hospital.1-4 During a hospital stay, malnutrition can increase the cost of treating a disease. In fact, a new study published in PLOS ONE looked at malnutrition associated with eight common diseases and calculated costs an additional $15.5 billion for U.S. states in direct medical spending. |
"Our healthcare system already spends significant resources treating chronic diseases, and this new study shows how malnutrition—a preventable and treatable condition—is adding to that cost," said Scott Goates, PhD, health economist at Abbott and lead study author. "When people are well-nourished, we remove a barrier to successfully managing chronic conditions while lowering the financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system at large."
The State of Your State: Researchers found that of the $15.5 billion spent each year on medical costs for malnutrition in eight common diseases: California has the highest overall estimated costs at $1.7 billion, while Wyoming spends the least at $25 million.
Alliance for Aging Research: Malnutrition's Impact on Older Adults (Video) |
Three Ways to Spot and Stop Malnutrition Emphasizing the importance of nutrition in the hospital and in your loved one’s home can make managing a chronic condition easier and reduce costs in the long run. Abbott registered dietitian Abby Sauer shares three tips on how to address malnutrition: 1. Look and Listen 2. Plan Your Visit Around a Meal “Often older adults need more protein to combat muscle and energy loss, and getting the proper nutrients becomes especially important when you are managing a chronic disease,” said Sauer. “By spreading your protein intake throughout the day, you can make managing your chronic disease easier, while regaining your strength and energy.” 3. Involve Others References:Tappenden KA et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2013;37(4):482-497.Naber TH et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66(5):1232-1239.Somanchi M et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011;35(2):209-216.Braunschweig C et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;100(11):1316-1322. |