Diagnosis and management of weight loss in the elderly.
Weight loss occurs commonly in elderly individuals, and is associated with functional decline and mortality. A 10% loss of body weight over 10 years is consistently associated with increased mortality and functional decline. A 4% body weight loss over 1 year should trigger a search for causes, which commonly include depression, cancers, benign gastrointestinal conditions, and medication toxicity. To evaluate weight loss, physicians should distinguish between four problems: anorexia, dysphagia, weight loss despite normal intake, or socioeconomic problems. In most cases, the cause of weight loss is identified by a thorough history, a targeted physical examination, and a simple laboratory evaluation. Assessment should include evaluation of functional and nutritional status. Management should include correction of potential causes and nutritional supplementation.
Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
J D
JD
Gazewood
D R
DR
Mehr
D000368:Aged; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology; D015984:Causality; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D002149:Energy Intake; D005194:Family Practice; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D015431:Weight Loss