Abstract
Background
The nutritional problems of patients who are hospitalised for COVID-19 are becoming increasingly clear. However, a large group of patients have never been hospitalised and also seem to experience persistent nutritional problems. The present study describes the nutritional status, risk of sarcopenia and nutrition-related complaints of patients recovering from COVID-19 receiving dietetic treatment in primary care.
Methods
In this retrospective observational study, data were collected during dietetic treatment by a primary care dietitian between April and December 2020. Both patients who had and had not been admitted to the hospital were included at their first visit to a primary care dietitian. Data on nutritional status, risk of sarcopenia and nutrition-related complaints were collected longitudinally.
Results
Data from 246 patients with COVID-19 were collected. Mean age was 57 ± 16 years and 61% of the patient population was female. At first consultation, two thirds of patients were classified as overweight or obese (BMI >25 kg/m2). The majority had experienced unintentional weight loss due to COVID-19. Additionally, 55% of hospitalised and 34% of non-hospitalised patients had a high risk of sarcopenia. Most commonly reported nutrition-related complaints were: decreased appetite, shortness of breath, changed or loss of taste, and feeling of being full. Nutrition-related complaints decreased after the first consultation, but remained present over time.
Conclusions
In conclusion, weight changes, risk of sarcopenia and nutrition-related complaints were prevalent in patients with COVID-19, treated by a primary care dietitian. Nutrition-related complaints improved over time, but remained prevalent until several months after infection.
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