SGA (Subjective Global Assessment) – Malnutrition Helper
SGA – Subjective Global Assessment Helper
Supports SGA-based classification of malnutrition (A = well nourished, B = moderate/suspected malnutrition, C = severe malnutrition).
For health professionals only.
This tool mirrors typical SGA domains and suggests a global SGA category
based on your entries. Classic SGA is not a numerical score –
final classification must be based on your clinical judgment and local
guidelines.
History – SGA domains
Select the option that best describes the patient for each domain,
based on the last 2 weeks–6 months (as appropriate).
1. Weight change (last 6 months / 2 weeks)
Consider % weight loss, trend in the last 2 weeks, and whether loss is ongoing.
2. Dietary intake / change in intake
Compare current intake with usual; include type (solid vs liquid) and quantity.
3. Gastrointestinal symptoms (>2 weeks)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain that limit intake.
4. Functional capacity (nutrition-related)
How far from normal is the patient’s ability to perform usual activities?
Physical examination & disease stress
Base findings on a focused nutrition exam and the current clinical diagnosis.
Suggested global SGA category: SGA A – Well nourished
Pattern of responses is most consistent with SGA A (well nourished). If clinical
judgment differs, your assessment overrides this suggestion.
Rule used: the column (A, B or C) with the greatest number of selections suggests
the global SGA rating. In a tie, the more severe category (C > B > A) is chosen as a
conservative approach. Classic SGA still relies on your overall clinical impression.
SGA (Subjective Global Assessment) is a bedside nutrition assessment method that classifies patients as well nourished or malnourished based on a focused history and physical examination, rather than on lab values alone. It was originally described by Detsky and colleagues in 1987 and is now widely used in surgical, medical, renal and oncology patients. PubMed+1
SGA considers two main domains:
History –
Weight change (past 6 months and 2 weeks)
Changes in dietary intake (type and amount of food)
Importantly, classic SGA is not a numeric scoring system; it is an integrated clinical judgment where the pattern and severity of findings determine the final category, not simple addition of points. Queensland Health+1 SGA classifications correlate with clinical outcomes such as complications, length of stay and mortality, making it a practical and prognostic tool in routine care. ScienceDirect+1
