Although many studies have examined weight loss and low weight in institutionalized persons, there has been little research exploring the community-living older adult's nutritional risk. The purpose of this literature review (1995-2005) is to describe our current understanding of nutritional risk and low weight in community-living older adults 65 years old and older. Computerized database searches and footnote reviews were used to find published studies on nutritional risk and low weight. Twenty-two research articles are reviewed and summarized. Each study was reviewed according to preset criteria.