Risk of malnutrition on the rise among older adults in Singapore, hospitals warn

“More are consuming insufficient energy and protein, and so this often results in unintended weight loss and a decline in physical function,” noted Adjunct Associate Professor Lim Yen Peng, NHG’s director of group allied health and senior principal dietician.

In 2023, about 56 per cent of patients seen by NHG Health’s dieticians were found to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. This rose to 66 per cent in 2025.

Doctors warned malnutrition could lead to a greater risk of dementia or falls among seniors.

AFFECTS MOOD, MEMORY

Adj Assoc Prof Lim said contributing factors include a decrease in appetite as people age due to changes in their sense of taste and smell. Eating less means seniors may not be getting enough nutrients from their meals.

Protein and key vitamins are especially lacking, said doctors.