New diagnostic code "5B72 Undernutrition in Adults" approved for inclusion in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new diagnostic code, "5B72 Undernutrition in Adults", in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Prior to this update, undernutrition in adults was represented only by the code "5B54 Underweight in Adults". However, the increasing diversity of causes of undernutrition in adults and the accompanying rise in associated diseases have been recognized as global health challenges in recent years. The approval of the "5B72 Undernutrition in Adults" category signifies its formal recognition as a distinct disease entity and is expected to improve data collection and research, enhance clinical diagnosis and interventions, and support policy development and nutritional education.