Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Malnutrition can occur if you are eating less than your body needs, if you are eating the wrong kinds of foods, or if your body is unable to digest and absorb your food.
  • Under-nutrition is a form of malnutrition that occurs when your body takes in less energy, protein and other nutrients than it needs.
  • People with cancer are at higher risk of malnutrition compared with the rest of the population.
  • Early identification of the risk of malnutrition and early diagnosis of malnutrition is important so that it can be treated as soon as possible.
  • A dietitian can design an appropriate diet for you to help you prevent or manage malnutrition or weight loss, which can affect treatment and recovery from cancer.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 30-11-2014