Weight loss

Question 1

What are the causes of weight loss?

Answer 1

1. insufficient calorie intake:
   anorexia - associated with infection, malignancy and anorexia nervosa
   dysphagia e.g. oesophageal carcinoma, oesophageal reflux
   vomiting e.g. pyloric stenosis, hiatus hernia
2. malabsorptive states:
   chronic pancreatitis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease
3. high energy usage:
   malignancy
   thyrotoxicosis

Question 2

What is the definition of “unintentional weight loss”?

Answer 2

Unintentional loss of more than 5% of body weight over 6 to 12 months

Question 3

What is important about weight loss in the elderly?

Answer 3

• Weight loss in the elderly must NOT be ignored
• Pathological cause in 75-80% of cases
• Association between weight loss and cancer