Risk of Weight Loss in Adult Patients and the Effect of Staffing Registered Dietitians in Kaifukuki (Convalescent) Rehabilitation Wards: A Retrospective Analysis of a Nationwide Survey

There is scarce evidence regarding the risk of weight loss and the effect of having registered dietitians (RDs) on staff in rehabilitation wards on weight loss. We aimed to examine the effects of RDs in Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards (KRWs) on the prevention of weight loss in adult patients. Data from 2-year nationwide annual surveys on KRWs in Japan were retrospectively analysed. Weight loss was defined as loss of ≥5% weight during the KRW stay. Risk of weight loss in class 1 KRWs (obligated to provide nutrition care) was compared with that in class 2–6 KRWs (not obligated). Risk of weight loss in class 2–6 KRWs with RDs was compared to those without. Overall, 17.7% of 39,417 patients lost weight. Class 1 KRWs showed a lower risk of weight loss than class 2–6 KRWs (17.3% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.003). KRWs with RDs showed a significantly lower incidence of weight loss than those without RDs (16.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.015). Class 1 KRWs and exclusively staffed RDs were independently associated with lower odds of weight loss (odds ratio = 0.915 and 0.810, respectively). Approximately 18% of KRW patients lost weight, and having RDs on staff can lower the risk of weight loss.