How is muscle mass assessed in GLIM?

GLIM accepts DEXA, BIA, CT cross-sectional L3 muscle area, or MRI for muscle mass assessment. Simple anthropometric measures (mid-arm circumference, calf circumference) are accepted when imaging is unavailable.

What severity grades does GLIM define?

Moderate malnutrition: 5-10% weight loss in 6 months (or 10-20% in more than 6 months), BMI below 20/22 by age, mild-moderate muscle mass deficit. Severe malnutrition: above 10% weight loss in 6 months (or above 20% in more than 6 months), BMI below 18.5/20, severe muscle deficit.

Why was GLIM developed?

Prior malnutrition definitions varied widely by tool (SGA, NRS-2002, MUST, etc.), preventing standardized reporting and research comparisons. GLIM aimed to create a globally applicable consensus diagnostic framework.

GLIM Malnutrition Criteria

Diagnose malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria (2018). Requires at least 1 phenotypic criterion AND at least 1 etiologic criterion. Phenotypic: unintentional weight loss (above 5% in 6 months or above 10% in more than 6 months), low BMI (below 20 if under 70 years, below 22 if 70 or older), or reduced muscle mass. Etiologic: reduced food intake/absorption, or inflammation/disease burden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is muscle mass assessed in GLIM?

What severity grades does GLIM define?

Why was GLIM developed?