Disease-related malnutrition, as the name suggests, is malnutrition triggered by illness or disease. In this scenario, the effects of malnutrition can complicate the disease itself, leading to a vicious cycle of complications. It is estimated that disease-related malnutrition is as prevalent in South Africa as it is elsewhere in the world, affecting one in four patients admitted to hospital and more than 1 in 3 residents in care homes, step down facilities and older people living independently. This can also increase the length of hospital stay and increase healthcare costs.

Diseases frequently implicated in disease-related malnutrition include cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney failure, chronic heart failure, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.