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Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

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Eating and nutrition

Malnutrition

Not taking in enough energy or nutrients to meet the body's needs.

What it means

In ALS/MND it often happens because eating has become slow and tiring rather than because appetite has gone, and because the body can use more energy than it used to. It is monitored rather than waited for.

Why you might hear it

  • It is why weight is checked at most clinic visits.
  • A dietitian may use it when explaining why intake matters.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.