HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Drastic Loss Of Weight In An Elderly Person?

default
Posted on Sat, 3 Sep 2016
Question: I have lost forty pounds in the last six months without a change in lifestyle/diet. I went from 187 pounds to a present 145, is it time to see a doctor or am I aging, I'm 77.

Email -- YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
I noted your kidney stage IV and I imagine you have been given a diet to follow along with that.

Your concern regarding the rate of weight loss is valid and has put you at risk for malnutrition. Aging is not responsible for such a large weight loss in such a short amount of time. Any weight loss greater than 10% in six months is considered high risk and you have lost 21% at this writing.

Please see both your physician and dietitian immediately for nutritional repletion without refeeding syndrome and have the doctor look at your labs and make recommendations to the dietitian and to you.

I think you should follow up with your personal physician as soon as possible.

Regards, XXXXXXX J. Shattler, MS,RDN
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Kathy
Kathy Shattler

Dietitian & Nutritionist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 903 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Drastic Loss Of Weight In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Hello Detailed Answer: I noted your kidney stage IV and I imagine you have been given a diet to follow along with that. Your concern regarding the rate of weight loss is valid and has put you at risk for malnutrition. Aging is not responsible for such a large weight loss in such a short amount of time. Any weight loss greater than 10% in six months is considered high risk and you have lost 21% at this writing. Please see both your physician and dietitian immediately for nutritional repletion without refeeding syndrome and have the doctor look at your labs and make recommendations to the dietitian and to you. I think you should follow up with your personal physician as soon as possible. Regards, XXXXXXX J. Shattler, MS,RDN