Unexplained Weight Loss In Elderly Man

Unintentional or involuntary weight loss is a common phenomenon among older adults with an annual incidence of approximately 13 1 problematic weight loss in the older adult is defined by the united states omnibus budget reconciliation act of 1987 title iv.

Unexplained weight loss in elderly man. Usually an unrecognized cancer will have other symptoms or abnormalities of laboratory tests in addition to unexplained weight loss. This would be equivalent to a 200 pound man losing 10 pounds or a 130 pound woman losing 6 to 7 pounds. Nursing home reform as a loss of 5 of body weight in one month or 10.

You are good to point out that it is first of all important to discover the cause s and not jump to conclusions or a solution before really delving in. They may also experience fatigue as weight and overall health decline which can prevent activity exercise and socialization. Unintentional weight loss definition.

Unexplained weight loss can be caused by conditions that range from mild to very serious. Unexplained weight loss has many causes medical and nonmedical. Unintentional weight loss i e more than a 5 reduction in body weight within six to 12 months occurs in 15 to 20 of older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 1 in.

It follows that unexplained weight loss in an older person almost always is a marker of an underlying illness. Unexplained weight loss is defined as the unintentional loss of at least 10 pounds or 5 of body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months. Especially if an older adult is living on his her own far away from adult children who can help and monitor.

Often a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss. It is best to consult a doctor or go for a checkup if you recently lost a considerable amount of weight like more than 5 to 7 of your weight within a short span of a few months. Sometimes a specific cause isn t found.

Here the weight loss was more subtle but still clinically significant. What are the causes of unexplained weight loss. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you ve.