GLOSSARY

Unintentional Weight Loss is a decrease in weight that was not deliberately sought and may indicate inadequate intake or an underlying condition.

Malnutrition can occur across body sizes, including in a person with obesity. Assessment considers reduced intake or assimilation, disease-related inflammation, weight trajectory and relevant body-composition or functional findings. Undernutrition, overnutrition and individual micronutrient deficiencies describe overlapping but distinct problems. A stable or high body weight cannot exclude inadequate nutrient supply or muscle loss. In an athlete, declining intake, recurrent illness or unintentional weight loss deserves assessment rather than automatic praise for becoming lighter.

Nutrition screening identifies people who may need fuller assessment; it does not establish every cause or prescribe treatment by itself. Use a suitable validated tool in the population for which it is intended, then follow a positive result with appropriate evaluation. Include recent intake, unintentional weight change, symptoms and clinical context. Repeat assessment when circumstances change. A negative screen is not a reason to ignore a new concerning symptom or a clear deterioration in the athlete's function.

Laboratory markers provide information within a clinical context rather than a complete nutrition diagnosis. Albumin and prealbumin are affected by inflammation, fluid balance, organ function and other processes, so they should not be interpreted as direct isolated measures of protein intake or muscle mass. A reference interval is not automatically the optimal target for an athlete. Combine relevant tests with intake, physical findings, symptoms and trends, and consider the method and timing before attributing a result to diet alone.