The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) has developed consensus-based diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, aiming to provide a standardized and internationally recognized framework. The criteria are designed to be applicable in all clinical settings and regardless of the underlying cause of malnutrition. The process involved a modified Delphi method, including email communications, face-to-face meetings, and ballots among experts. Key findings include: 1. **Screening and Diagnosis**: Malnutrition should be identified through validated screening tools, and those at risk should be assessed and treated accordingly. "Risk of malnutrition" should have its own ICD Code. 2. **Diagnosis Options**: Two primary options for diagnosing malnutrition were agreed upon: - Option 1: Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m². - Option 2: Unintentional weight loss (≥10% of habitual weight indefinite or >5% over 3 months) combined with either reduced BMI (<20 kg/m² for those under 70 years, <22 kg/m² for those 70 years and older) or low fat-free mass index (FFMI) (<15 kg/m² for females, <17 kg/m² for males). 3. **Consensus and Validation**: Over 75% of ESPEN members agreed with the proposed criteria, indicating high acceptance. Validation studies are ongoing to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of these criteria. 4. **Terminology**: The choice between "malnutrition" and "undernutrition" was not strongly favored, leading to a neutral stance in the final statement. 5. **Conceptual Tree**: A conceptual tree of nutritional disorders was constructed to illustrate the relationships between different conditions, emphasizing the importance of body composition measures like FFMI and FMI. This consensus statement aims to enhance the recognition and management of malnutrition, improve clinical care, and facilitate documentation in medical records and insurance systems.The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) has developed consensus-based diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, aiming to provide a standardized and internationally recognized framework. The criteria are designed to be applicable in all clinical settings and regardless of the underlying cause of malnutrition. The process involved a modified Delphi method, including email communications, face-to-face meetings, and ballots among experts. Key findings include: 1. **Screening and Diagnosis**: Malnutrition should be identified through validated screening tools, and those at risk should be assessed and treated accordingly. "Risk of malnutrition" should have its own ICD Code. 2. **Diagnosis Options**: Two primary options for diagnosing malnutrition were agreed upon: - Option 1: Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m². - Option 2: Unintentional weight loss (≥10% of habitual weight indefinite or >5% over 3 months) combined with either reduced BMI (<20 kg/m² for those under 70 years, <22 kg/m² for those 70 years and older) or low fat-free mass index (FFMI) (<15 kg/m² for females, <17 kg/m² for males). 3. **Consensus and Validation**: Over 75% of ESPEN members agreed with the proposed criteria, indicating high acceptance. Validation studies are ongoing to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of these criteria. 4. **Terminology**: The choice between "malnutrition" and "undernutrition" was not strongly favored, leading to a neutral stance in the final statement. 5. **Conceptual Tree**: A conceptual tree of nutritional disorders was constructed to illustrate the relationships between different conditions, emphasizing the importance of body composition measures like FFMI and FMI. This consensus statement aims to enhance the recognition and management of malnutrition, improve clinical care, and facilitate documentation in medical records and insurance systems.