wasting syndrome

A condition marked by a loss of more than 10% of body weight, including loss of muscle mass and fat, in a person who is not trying to lose weight. Some people with wasting syndrome may also have diarrhea or weakness and fever that have lasted at least 30 days. Wasting syndrome is a sign of malnutrition and can happen when there are changes in the way the body uses nutrients from food. This may be caused by certain factors, such as inflammation and increased metabolism. Wasting syndrome is most common in people with advanced cancer or other chronic diseases, such as AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. Wasting syndrome is hard to reverse once it starts and usually happens at the end of life. Also called cachexia.