Undernutrition, put in the spotlight this week with the Collective for the Fight against Undernutrition, is a still little-known disease, which is proving dangerous in this context of the Covid-19 health crisis.
A disease affecting 2 million people
In this national week of undernutrition from November 12 to 19, 2020, the Collective for the fight against undernutrition conducted an investigation into this disease, in partnership with the Jean-Jaurès Foundation and Ifop. Today, 2 million people are believed to be affected by this disease, including hospitalized patients, cancer patients, underweight people, seniors, and now also Covid-19 patients. Among these patients, 400,000 people are over 70 years old and 270,000 people are in nursing homes. Undernutrition occurs when nutritional intake is insufficient compared to energy expenditure, leading to significant weight loss (+ 5% in one month).
Undernutrition and Covid-19: a bad duo
In addition to losing weight, people with this disease are losing muscle and strength, a worrying phenomenon during this health crisis. Indeed, according to a study currently being published with 403 patients hospitalized for Covid, infected patients lost an average of 6.5 kg. Joseph-Robert Lannone, cured of the Covid, lost during his hospitalization 17 kilos in one month, or 18% of his weight: ” I, who was rather strong, all my muscles had melted. I had to relearn to walk, to climb the stairs “.
The pandemic has made this disease worse. The elderly no longer eat properly, being isolated or afraid of shopping. Forced sedentary lifestyle also results in significant muscle loss. ” Many people isolated in their homes have lost their appetites due to stress, isolation, fear of going out to shop »Says Agathe Raynaud-Simon, geriatrician in Paris. She also deplores the ” lack of staff and time in the Ephad “, Where the fact of enriching the diet without increasing the volume of the plate, in particular with” smaller portions, but higher in protein […] with grated cheese, eggs, butter, oil or cream Is not the priority.
