Objective <p>To evaluate the nutritional risk of the different types of COVID-19 patients and the factors influencing the progression of COVID-19 patients.</p> Methods <p>A total of 305 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Enrollment was from December 17, 2022 to January 18, 2023. Basic information, nutritional screening, and laboratory values were obtained from patient care records, electronic medical records, and related examinations.</p> Results <p>Forty-six patients experienced progression of COVID-19, while 259 patients experienced no progression. In the nutritional screening of patients with COVID-19 progression, an NRS2002 score of 3–4 was observed in 56.5% of patients, NRS 2002 score was significantly correlated with COVID-19 progression (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In the logistic regression model, malnutrition (NRS2002 score ≥ 3) had a statistically significant effect on the progression of COVID-19 patients (OR = 13.230, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and age (OR = 6.397,<i>p</i> = 0.026) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 11.027,<i>p</i> = 0.012) were also statistically significant for the progression of COVID-19 patients.</p> Conclusion <p>The prevalence of malnutrition in critically ill and severe COVID-19 patients was high, and malnutrition was significantly related to the progression of COVID-19. Early nutritional screening is necessary for COVID-19 treatment.</p> Implication <p>This study analyzed the nutritional screening of COVID-19 patients with different degrees. This suggests the urgent need for early nutritional risk screening and treatment for COVID-19 patients.</p>