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.
Gazewood
J D
JD
Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Mehr
D R
DR
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