The Eat Well, Feel Well, Stay Well feasibility study
Getting enough nourishing food can become harder as we grow older, especially if we live alone or manage long-term health conditions. Around 13% of older adults living at home are at risk of malnutrition. This UK study explores how family doctors and practice nurses can best identify and support people who need help eating well. Taking part involves your GP surgery being placed into one of three groups. Depending on your surgery's group, you may receive standard NHS care, nurse appointments with helpful diet booklets, or extra support with prescribed nutritional drinks when you feel unwell. Researchers will stay in touch for up to nine months to see how your weight, eating patterns, and overall wellbeing improve. The findings will help doctors design larger NHS programmes to keep older adults well-nourished and independent.
At a glance
What is this study about?
As we get older, keeping up a healthy appetite and eating balanced meals can become a challenge. Recovering from an illness, managing long-term health problems, or simply living alone can make it harder to shop, cook, and eat well. Over time, this can lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. Malnutrition does not just mean eating less; it means the body is missing out on vital nutrients, which can leave you feeling weak, tired, and more prone to infections.
The 'Eat Well, Feel Well, Stay Well' project was created by researchers at the University of Southampton to tackle this issue early. The team developed a simple screening system for GP surgeries to spot weight loss before it becomes a serious problem. Alongside this, they produced clear advice booklets and practical tools to guide doctors and practice nurses in offering the right support at the right time.
This feasibility study is testing how well these tools work in real, everyday GP practices. By comparing regular NHS care with structured nurse check-ups and nutritional drinks, the research team wants to see what patients and nurses find most helpful. The end goal is to gather the right evidence to roll out better, kinder nutrition support across the entire NHS.
Key takeaways
- Aims to prevent unintentional weight loss in adults aged 65 and older.
- Tests nurse-led nutrition checks, helpful guides, and supplement drinks.
- Compares these new support options against standard GP care.
- Involves simple health checks and follow-ups over six to nine months.
- Completely voluntary with no known health risks involved.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 65 and older who live at home and have at least one long-term health condition or social circumstance that may affect their diet. This includes people living with conditions such as COPD (a chronic lung disease), heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or Parkinson's disease. It also includes people who have been discharged from hospital in the last two to three months, those dealing with depression, or those who live alone.
The study is not suitable for everyone. People currently having active treatment for cancer, those with diabetes, severe terminal conditions, or diagnosed dementia cannot take part.
You also cannot join if you already take prescribed nutritional supplement drinks or if you already receive specialised clinical feeding support.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 65 or older?
- Do you live in your own home (rather than a care home)?
- Do you live alone, have a long-term condition, or have you recently left hospital?
- Are you free from diabetes, dementia, and ongoing cancer therapy?
- Are you currently NOT taking prescribed nutritional drinks?
What does participation involve?
If you take part, your experience will depend on which group your GP surgery is placed in. In the nurse-care groups, you will visit your GP practice for a health check. The nurse will measure your height and weight, check your nutrition score, and give you practical booklets about healthy eating. You will have follow-up phone calls to see how you are getting on, and some people may be prescribed nutritional drinks to take during periods of poor health. If your surgery is in the comparison group, you will continue to receive your usual standard NHS care. For all participants, the study lasts between six and nine months, during which you will be asked to fill in brief questionnaires about your diet, weight, and general quality of life.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Salisbury Medical PracticeApproximateSalisbury, England
- Cowplain Family PracticeCity onlyCowplain, England
Common questions
Will taking part cost me anything?
No. All study appointments, advice booklets, and any prescribed nutrition drinks are provided free of charge through the NHS.
Can I choose which group I am in?
No. GP practices are placed into groups randomly by a computer. This ensures the study gives fair, unbiased results.
Will my regular medications change?
No. You will continue to take all your usual prescriptions and treatments exactly as directed by your doctor.
Do I have to travel far for appointments?
No. Any face-to-face visits happen at your own local GP surgery, and other check-ins are done simply over the telephone.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can leave the study at any point. Simply tell your GP or the study nurse, and your regular medical care will continue as normal.
How to find out more
Jackie Seely
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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