TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Unintentional Weight Loss A1 - Jameson, J. Larry A1 - Fauci, Anthony S. A1 - Kasper, Dennis L. A1 - Hauser, Stephen L. A1 - Longo, Dan L. A1 - Loscalzo, Joseph PY - 2020 T2 - Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 20e 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 aged >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 - 2024/04/23 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1167062949 ER -