Assessing Malnutrition
Malnutrition is usually screened for. That is how your healthcare provider assesses your condition. There are certain tools used to identify malnutrition, they include weight loss and body mass index (BMI) charts [4], blood tests for micronutrient status and physical exams. If you have a history of weight loss and other symptoms associated with undernutrition, your doctor will conduct additional tests to identify what micronutrient is missing.
It is more difficult to identify nutrient deficiencies that result from overnutrition, compared to undernutrition. Being overweight or obese and still malnourished is usually traced to excess consumption of processed and fast foods, and lack of enough vitamins or minerals. To find out if you have nutrient deficiencies, consider discussing your dietary habits with your doctor.