Every patient should be weighed on arrival at a hospital to identify the 40% who are at risk of malnutrition, doctors were told today by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

Malnutrition, often thought of as a problem only in the developing world, is rife in the Britain. About 14% of over-65s are suffering from its effects and many more - including teenagers and children - are vulnerable when they become ill.

The guidance calls on every hospital to introduce weight and height checks for all patients and educate their workforce on how to identify malnutrition.