The treatment for malnutrition will differ depending on what type of malnutrition is diagnosed.
In undernutrition, treatment consists of rehydration and slowly increasing food intake. This could involve feeding through a tube, an intravenous line, or through oral intake, depending on the situation and the severity of the malnutrition. For overweight and obesity, physical activity and behavioral therapies are important in treatment. Increasing physical activity increases the amount of calories burned and works in tandem with calorie-restricting diets for weight loss.[1] In some cases, medications or surgical interventions might also be recommended. In both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, if there is a deficiency of a certain vitamin or mineral, it might be replaced through an oral supplement, an intravenous supplement, or fortified foods.[2]
Most of the people who are diagnosed with malnutrition can benefit from the education and support provided by a dietitian.[2]