What does SGA assess?

SGA (Detsky 1987) uses history: weight change (6-month and 2-week trend), dietary intake change, GI symptoms, functional capacity, and disease stress. Physical: subcutaneous fat loss, muscle wasting, oedema, ascites. Clinician rates A/B/C.

When is SGA Category C used?

SGA C (severely malnourished): > 10% weight loss with ongoing decline, minimal intake for weeks, severe muscle wasting on exam. Immediate nutritional support required. Associated with increased complications, LOS, and mortality.

How does SGA compare to objective tools?

SGA is subjective but reproducible with training (kappa ~0.7-0.8 between trained observers). It captures nutritional history and clinical examination that objective measures (BMI, albumin) miss. Used as gold standard for validating other tools.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) for Nutritional Status

Classify nutritional status using SGA: Category A (well-nourished), B (mildly-moderately malnourished), C (severely malnourished). Based on history and physical exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does SGA assess?

When is SGA Category C used?

How does SGA compare to objective tools?