RT Book, Section
A1 Jameson, J. Larry
A1 Fauci, Anthony S.
A1 Kasper, Dennis L.
A1 Hauser, Stephen L.
A1 Longo, Dan L.
A1 Loscalzo, Joseph
SR Print(0)
ID 1167062949
T1 Unintentional Weight Loss
T2 Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 20e
YR 2020
FD 2020
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260455342
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1167062949
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  aged  >80,  but  this  demographic  group  also  has  a  high  risk  for  malignancy  or  other  serious  illness.