MUST STEP

Possible outcome

Interpretation/Score

1) Calculate body mass index (BMI) from weight and height

Kg/m²

BMI > 20(>30 Obese)

18.5 - 20.0

<18.5

Score

=0

=1

=2

2) Determine unplanned weight loss (%) in past 3 - 6 months

%

<5

5 - 10

>10

Score

=0

=1

=2

3) Consider the effect of acute disease:

-acutely ill but no change in nutritional intake

-acutely ill with reduced nutritional intake

-acutely ill with no nutritional intake for >5 days

=0

=1

=2

4) Add scores from a + b + c = overall risk of malnutrition

Total Score

=0

=1

=2 or >

Interpretation

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

5) Initiate appropriate nutritional management