PHILAELPHIA (April 14, 2025) – The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has published new guidance statements for diagnosing malnutrition in adults with critical illness in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition . Penn Nursing ’s, Charlene Compher, PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN , was the lead author for this new guidance that has global implications.The guidance, developed by a panel of 36 clinical nutrition experts, aims to provide a consistent approach to identifying malnutrition in this vulnerable population. GLIM is a collaboration of major global clinical nutrition societies whose joint mission is to improve the diagnosis and management of malnutrition worldwide.
“These new guidance statements represent a critical step forward in how we address malnutrition in critically ill patients,” said Compher, who is the Shearer Chair of Healthy Community Practices, Professor of Nutrition Science, and Director of Nutrition programs in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences . “By providing clear recommendations for assessment and reassessment, we can improve the timeliness and management of nutrition interventions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients.”
The GLIM criteria, which consider both phenotypic (e.g., weight loss, low muscle mass) and etiologic (e.g., inflammation, inadequate food intake) factors, are highlighted in the guidance.
Key recommendations include:
The authors emphasize that consistent assessment and reporting of malnutrition variables are essential for advancing research and improving patient care.
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Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
GLIM consensus approach to diagnosis of malnutrition: A 5-year update
14-Apr-2025