Definition: A condition of involuntary weight loss of greater then 10% of baseline body weight. It is characterized by atrophy of muscles and depletion of lean body mass. Wasting is a sign of MALNUTRITION as a result of inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or hypermetabolism.
human or animal; do not confuse with CACHEXIA: do not make diagnoses, use words of text; HIV WASTING SYNDROME is also available
See AlsoCachexia ExamplesHIV Wasting Syndrome
Other names Wasting Syndromes; Wasting Diseases; Wasting Disease
