How it's calculated
For loss, subtract today's weight from the prior weight, divide by the prior weight, and multiply by 100. For gain, subtract the prior weight from today's weight, divide by the prior weight, and multiply by 100.
| Window | Significant | Severe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 5% | More than 5% |
| 3 months | 7.5% | More than 7.5% |
| 6 months | 10% | More than 10% |
These thresholds apply to loss and gain. Close to the line means within 1 percentage point below the significant threshold. Results are rounded for display, but the unrounded change determines the label.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as significant weight loss in a nursing home?
A loss of 5% in 1 month, 7.5% in 3 months, or 10% in 6 months is significant. A loss greater than those thresholds is severe.
What weight do I compare against?
Compare today’s weight with a weight from about 1, 3, or 6 months ago, as appropriate. Follow your facility’s policy for choosing comparison weights.
Does a gain count?
This calculator applies the same thresholds to gains and losses. Review a gain using your facility’s policy and clinical judgment.
What does the MDS use?
MDS K0300 looks at loss of 5% or more in the last month or 10% or more in the last 6 months. K0310 uses the same percentages for gain. Choose the code based on whether the change is on a physician-prescribed weight-loss regimen.
Should I reweigh?
Large changes are worth a reweigh to rule out a scale or entry error before charting. Follow your facility’s policy.
Checking one resident? Use this page. Checking every resident in every facility each month? Wellficient RD reads your PointClickCare weight report and flags everyone at 1, 3 and 6 months.
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