In simple words: Protein-calorie malnutrition means not getting enough protein and calories.It can cause weight loss, muscle loss, weakness, and other health problems.There are different levels of severity, from mild to moderate.

Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) of moderate and mild degree refers to a nutritional deficiency characterized by inadequate intake of protein and calories. Moderate PCM involves weight loss exceeding specific thresholds (e.g., >2% in 1 week, 5% in 1 month, or 7.5% in 3 months) along with signs like muscle wasting and loss of subcutaneous fat.Mild PCM presents with less severe weight loss.The condition can arise from various factors, including insufficient food intake, underlying diseases like cancer, or reduced functional capacity.Clinical manifestations can range from mild to moderate anemia, changes in hair color, skin dryness, and a protuberant belly in moderate cases, potentially leading to physical or mental disability if left untreated.

Example 1: A 65-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy experiences significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue.Nutritional intake is assessed and found to be inadequate, leading to a diagnosis of moderate PCM., A child in a developing country presents with a distended abdomen, skin lesions, and edema due to a primarily protein-deficient diet, consistent with kwashiorkor, a severe form of PCM., An elderly patient with limited mobility and access to food shows mild weight loss and decreased muscle mass, indicating mild PCM.

Documentation should include details of weight loss, nutritional intake, physical findings (muscle wasting, edema, skin changes), laboratory results, and any underlying conditions contributing to PCM.