More South Dakotans dying of malnutrition

Elderly in remote areas at greater risk

Rob Gatto loads meals on May 17 for Meals on Wheels at the Center for Active Generations. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

The number of people in South Dakota dying from malnutrition has steadily increased over the last few years, according to data from the Department of Health.

Malnutrition deaths rose 50 percent in 2022 from 2021, and they have more than doubled in the last four years.

While the number of deaths attributed to malnutrition is still small compared to the total number of people who died, the 106 people who died last year climbed to levels that rival other causes of death that receive more attention. There were 128 influenza-pneumonia deaths last year, and 122 people died from hypertension. Motor vehicle accidents claimed 164 people, and 193 died by suicide.

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