In surgical patient malnutrition is best assessed by

.* Weight loss more than 10% of individual's weight in 6 months is called as significant weight loss. * Body Mass Index (BMI) is body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. BMI less than 18.5 signifies nutritional impairment and below 15 signifies severe malnutrition.in surgical patients malnutrition is best assessed by mid arm circumference. ref:SRB&;s manual of surgery,ed 3,pg no 86