What is a common characteristic of clients with malnutrition?

Clients with malnutrition often present with low body weight as a common characteristic. Malnutrition encompasses a range of nutritional deficiencies, which can arise from inadequate intake of nutrients or energy. When nutritional needs are not met, it can lead to weight loss over time, as the body begins to utilize its fat and muscle stores for energy. This weight loss is a direct result of the body not receiving the necessary nutrients it requires for maintenance and function.

In contrast, increased energy levels, improved immune function, and excess body fat are typically not associated with malnutrition. Increased energy levels would suggest adequate nutrition and energy intake, therefore making it inconsistent with the state of malnutrition. Similarly, improved immune function generally implies that a person's nutritional status is adequate, as good nutrition supports immune health. Lastly, excess body fat does not align with the characteristics of malnutrition, which more commonly entails a depletion of body mass and lean tissue. Thus, low body weight is a clear and direct indicator of malnutrition among clients.