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BACKGROUND & AIMS: It has been suggested that serving from a buffet system may increase food intake. This observational study estimates the energy intake in a representative group of patients admitted to a hospital, where the food is served from a buffet system. MATERIAL: One hundred and sixteen random patients were screened according to the NRS-2002 system and the energy requirements were calculated. The type of food ordered for the patients and the energy intake were determined. RESULT: Eighty had an NRS score of 0-2, i.e. not at nutritional risk and 36 a score > or = 3, i.e. at nutritional risk. Among patients with NRS score > or = 3 only 50% were ordered the correct menu. Only 50% of the patients had an energy intake < 75% of their requirements. In the group of patients, who took < 50% of energy requirement more than 90% came from the main courses and very little from snacks. CONCLUSION: In-patients at nutritional risk focus should be on ordering the correct type of food for the main courses and especially on increasing the intake from snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]