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Involuntary Weight Loss.
Med Clin North Am. 2014 May;98(3):625-643
Authors: Wong CJ
Abstract
Involuntary weight loss, defined as 5% or greater weight loss occurring within 6 to 12 months, may have a prevalence as high as 7% in the adult population. In case series, malignant, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric conditions were common, although unidentified causes were still prevalent after evaluation. Patients without malignancy are more likely to have normal physical examination, and normal laboratory and imaging studies. Treatment is directed at identifying and treating the causative illness. This article reviews the syndrome of involuntary weight loss and its diagnostic etiologies, and provides an approach to the treatment of patients presenting with this condition.
PMID: 24758965 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]