Tag: Involuntary weight loss

Affecting up to 9 million people worldwide, cachexia is a serious metabolic condition that is often associated with the late stages of severe chronic diseases. The most common and straightforward term for cachexia is **wasting syndrome**, which describes the severe and involuntary loss of muscle and fat mass despite adequate nutritional intake. This condition is far more complex than simple weight loss or starvation and signifies a profound change in the body's metabolism.

Affecting millions worldwide, cachexia accounts for up to 20% of cancer-related deaths. It is the medical term for wasting, a debilitating syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle atrophy, and a significant loss of body fat.

According to the National Institutes of Health, malnutrition can lead to prolonged hospital stays, decreased quality of life, and increased morbidity. For a patient with a nursing diagnosis of impaired nutritional status who has lost 30lbs, the plan of care must include targeted interventions to reverse malnutrition and promote weight restoration. This article outlines essential strategies for nurses to implement, focusing on nutritional support and patient engagement.

Affecting millions with chronic illnesses, cachexia is a complex metabolic condition characterized by involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting. A common term used to describe this condition is wasting syndrome, but what is another name for cachexia specifically linked to loss of appetite? The condition is also known as anorexia-cachexia syndrome when significant loss of appetite is a primary feature.