Which of the following is a phenotypic criterion for GLIM malnutrition?

• A. Reduced energy intake
• B. Reduced muscle mass
• C. Inflammation
• D. Reduced absorption via disease

Answer: (B)

GLIM malnutrition diagnosis rests on one phenotypic criterion plus at least one etiologic criterion. Phenotypic criteria capture measurable body composition changes, such as reduced muscle mass, non-volitional weight loss, or a low BMI. Among the options, reduced muscle mass is the phenotypic criterion because it directly reflects loss of lean tissue. The other items describe causes or contributing factors—reduced energy intake is an etiologic factor indicating insufficient intake, inflammation is an etiologic state driving metabolic changes, and reduced absorption via disease is an etiologic impairment of nutrient uptake. So, reduced muscle mass best fits the phenotypic criterion in GLIM.