TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Weight Loss A1 - Kasper, Dennis L. A1 - Fauci, Anthony S. A1 - Hauser, Stephen L. A1 - Longo, Dan L. A1 - Jameson, J. Larry A1 - Loscalzo, Joseph PY - 2016 T2 - Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 19e AB - Significant unintentional weight loss in a previously healthy individual is often a harbinger of underlying systemic disease. The routine medical history should always include inquiry about changes in weight. Rapid fluctuations of weight over days suggest loss or gain of fluid, whereas long-term changes usually involve loss of tissue mass. Loss of 5% of body weight over 6–12 months should prompt further evaluation. Gradual weight loss is physiologic in persons over age 80, but this demographic group also has a high risk for malignancy or other serious illness. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1128782296 ER -