Unexplained weight loss in men over 60
Inability to eat can result from: diminished consciousness or confusion, or physical problems affecting the arm or hands, swallowing or chewing. There can also be losses from drains, including nasogastric tubes. Cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure, may cause unexplained weight loss. Cancer, a very common and sometimes fatal cause of unexplained ( idiopathic ) weight loss. Intentional weight loss is commonly referred to as slimming. Eating restrictions may also be imposed as part of treatment or investigations. Lack of food can result from: poverty, difficulty in shopping or cooking, and poor quality meals. About one-third of unintentional weight loss cases are secondary to malignancy. Losses from the gastrointestinal can occur because of symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, as well as fistulae and stomas.
Fungal illnesses, endocarditis, many parasitic diseases, AIDS, and some other subacute or occult infections may cause weight loss. Changes to metabolic demands can be caused by illness, surgery and organ dysfunction. Weight loss issues related to specific diseases include. Patients who have uremia often have poor or absent appetite, vomiting and nausea. Intentional weight loss is the loss of total body mass as a result of efforts to improve fitness and health, or to change appearance through slimming. Poor appetite can be a direct symptom of an illness, or an illness could make eating painful or induce nausea. This can result from conditions that affect the digestive system. Other losses: Conditions such as burns can be associated with losses such as skin exudates. Cancers to suspect in patients with unexplained weight loss include gastrointestinal, prostate, hepatobilary ( hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer ), ovarian, hematologic or lung malignancies.
