RT Book, Section
A1 Kasper, Dennis L.
A1 Fauci, Anthony S.
A1 Hauser, Stephen L.
A1 Longo, Dan L.
A1 Jameson, J. Larry
A1 Loscalzo, Joseph
SR Print(0)
ID 1128782296
T1 Weight Loss
T2 Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 19e
YR 2016
FD 2016
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071828529
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1128782296
RD 2024/04/19
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.