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What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss Along With Weakness?
Question: my husband has lost about 30pounds in 3 months is very weak and is aking all over his body especially the hands , hips and has also trouble walking. This all started when he had a bad fall. The weight loss really worries me.
thank you
thank you
Brief Answer:
Severely malnourished, needs nutritional support.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. 30 pounds in 3 months is too high a weight loss and definitely it would make him weak. Possible Cachexia, requires further evaluation.
2. He should be severely malnourished. This has led to weakness also with generalized body ache.
3. He would probably have moderate anemia along with decreased bone density.
4. Hope he was not injured during the fall. However, it has possibly depressed enough to the point, that he is not taking care of himself. I am not sure, if he has any dementia? Any deterioration in nutritional status seriously affects the morbidity and mortality of a person.
5. Good nutrition status is essential for maintenance of health and quality of life in the elderly. Physical activity, proper food selection and greater intake of enriched foods is necessary to help increased total intake, nutrient density and micronutrient levels.
6. Diet should comprise of nutrient dense foods, dietary fiber (from fruits and vegetables preferably), sufficient fluid intake and nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals).
7. Cause requires evaluation. How is his mental condition? Is he able to manage himself? Does he require caretaker support? What is his current diet? Does he have diarrhea or constipation? Any specific complaints? Any depression, dementia, loss of memory? Any phobias?
More details necessary for further opinion. Do attach the report, if possible or atleast let me know the current nutritional status of his through the report.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Severely malnourished, needs nutritional support.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. 30 pounds in 3 months is too high a weight loss and definitely it would make him weak. Possible Cachexia, requires further evaluation.
2. He should be severely malnourished. This has led to weakness also with generalized body ache.
3. He would probably have moderate anemia along with decreased bone density.
4. Hope he was not injured during the fall. However, it has possibly depressed enough to the point, that he is not taking care of himself. I am not sure, if he has any dementia? Any deterioration in nutritional status seriously affects the morbidity and mortality of a person.
5. Good nutrition status is essential for maintenance of health and quality of life in the elderly. Physical activity, proper food selection and greater intake of enriched foods is necessary to help increased total intake, nutrient density and micronutrient levels.
6. Diet should comprise of nutrient dense foods, dietary fiber (from fruits and vegetables preferably), sufficient fluid intake and nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals).
7. Cause requires evaluation. How is his mental condition? Is he able to manage himself? Does he require caretaker support? What is his current diet? Does he have diarrhea or constipation? Any specific complaints? Any depression, dementia, loss of memory? Any phobias?
More details necessary for further opinion. Do attach the report, if possible or atleast let me know the current nutritional status of his through the report.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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