What should you know about adult failure to thrive?

The phrase is more often used for older or medically vulnerable adults. It should lead to a search for treatable contributors, such as illness, medicine effects, swallowing or dental difficulty, low mood, cognitive change, pain, isolation or problems obtaining and preparing food.

Assessment looks beyond body weight. Changes in appetite, walking, falls, personal care, memory, mood and ability to shop or cook can reveal how the decline developed. A physical examination and selected tests may check hydration, infection, anaemia, organ function and other suspected causes.

Several issues can occur together. Poorly fitting dentures can reduce intake, weakness can make cooking harder, and a sedating medicine can worsen alertness and falls. Identifying the chain helps the care team choose practical support instead of treating the label itself.

Arrange a primary-care appointment and bring a current medicine list, recent weight information if available, and notes on meals, fluids, swallowing, bowel habits, mood and daily activities. A relative or carer can share changes that the person may not have noticed.

Offer familiar foods and drinks that are safe and manageable, and make mealtimes calm and accessible. Do not force food or start restrictive diets. Coughing during meals, a wet-sounding voice or food sticking requires swallowing assessment because changing textures without guidance can create other problems.

Seek urgent care for new confusion, fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, inability to swallow, repeated choking, vomiting blood, black stools or very little urine. These signs may reflect dehydration, bleeding or another acute illness.

Prompt assessment is also warranted when the person cannot obtain food or medicines, is unsafe alone, is rapidly losing function, or expresses thoughts of self-harm. Tell the clinician about neglect concerns or caregiver strain so social and safeguarding support can be considered.

Ask which reversible causes are being considered, whether medicines could be contributing, and whether dental, swallowing, dietetic, mental-health or social-care input is appropriate. Request clear guidance on safe eating, activity, follow-up and the symptoms that should prompt earlier review.