Malnutrition in COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and risk factors

Background Nutritional status is a critical factor throughout COVID-19 disease course. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Aim To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and identify its associated factors in COVID-19 survivors. Methods Study cohort included 1230 COVID-19 survivors aged 18–86 attending a post-COVID-19 outpatient service. Data on clinical parameters, anthropometry, acute COVID-19 symptoms, lifestyle habits were collected through a comprehensive medical assessment. Malnutrition was assessed according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Results Prevalence of malnutrition was 22% at 4–5 months after acute disease. Participants who were not hospitalized during acute COVID-19 showed a higher frequency of malnutrition compared to those who needed hospitalization (26% versus 19%, p