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Weight
loss is a reduction in body mass characterized
by a loss of adipose tissue (body fat) and skeletal
muscle. Weight loss, in the context of medicine
or health, is a reduction of the total body weight,
which can mean loss of fluid, muscle or bone mass,
or fat. Information
on weight loss. |
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Unintentional
weight loss is the most common symptom of cancer
and often a side effect of cancer treatments.
A poor response to cancer treatments, reduced
quality of life, and shorter survival time may
result from substantial weight loss. The body
may become weaker and less able to tolerate cancer
therapies. As body weight decreases, body functionality
declines and may lead to malnutrition, illness,
infection, and perhaps death. |
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Most
cancer patients in the United States expect to
suffer weight loss during treatment for their
disease; a study of 938 patients from 17 communities
in upstate New York reported in 2004 that weight
loss was the fourth most commonly expected side
effect of cancer therapy, after fatigue, nausea,
and sleep disturbances. |
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Severe
malnutrition is typically defined in two ways:
functionally (increased risk of morbidity and/or
mortality) and by degree of weight loss (greater
than 2% per week, 5% per month, 7.5% per 3 months,
and 10% per 6 months). Without considering a specific
time course, grading is as follows: India
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Grade
0 = less than 5.0% weight loss |
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Grade
1 = 5.0% to 9.9% |
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Grade
2 = 10.0% to 19.9% |
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Grade
3 = greater than 20.0% |
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Grade
4 (life-threatening) is not specifically defined.
Paying attention to weight loss at an early stage
is necessary to prevent deterioration of weight,
body composition, and performance status. Diet
patch information |
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are many reasons for weight loss in cancer patients,
including appetite loss because of the effect of
cancer treatments such as, chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, or biological therapy or psychological
factors such as depression. Patients may suffer
from anorexia and lose desire to eat, and thus consume
less energy. When inadequate calories are consumed,
it can lead to wasting of body stores such as, muscle
and adipose tissue. Weight loss may be temporary
or may continue at a life-threatening pace.
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| Weight
loss may be also be a consequence of an increased
requirement for calories i.e. energy due to infection,
fever, or the effects of the tumor or cancer treatments.
If infection or fever is present, it is necessary
to consider that there is an increased caloric need
of approximately 10% to 13% per degree above 98.6°F
(37°C). Therefore, energy intake has to be increased
to account for this rise in body temperature. Alternative
Therapy |
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| Weight
loss may be a result of a common problem in cancer
called cachexia. Approximately half of all cancer
patients experience cachexia, a wasting syndrome
that induces metabolic changes leading to a loss
of muscle and fat. It has been proposed that cachexia
may be due to the effects of the tumor, but this
is debatable considering some patients with very
large tumors do not experience cachexia, while others
do even though tumors are less than 0.01% of body
mass .Us
Hospital Information |
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| Nutritional
problems related to side effects should be addressed
to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent weight
loss. In particular, cancer patients should maintain
an adequate intake of calories and protein to prevent
protein-calorie malnutrition. The patient's caloric
requirements can be calculated by a dietitian or
doctor since nutrient requirements vary considerably
from patient to patient. Moreover, patient education
about nutrition is vitally important; several recent
studies have shown that almost half of all cancer
patients in the United States receive no nutritional
information from health care professionals, including
the 18% who experience significant weight loss.
Weight
Loss Spa |
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following dietary tips may help patients to reduce
weight loss: |
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Eat more
when feeling the hungriest. |
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Eat foods
that are enjoyed the most. |
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Eat several
small meals and snacks instead of three large meals.
A regular meal schedule should be kept so meals
are not missed.Healthcare
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Have ready-to-eat
snacks on hand such as cheese and crackers, granola
bars, muffins, nuts and seeds, canned puddings,
ice cream, yogurt, and hard boiled eggs. |
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Eat high-calorie
foods and high-protein foods.Online
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Take a
small meal as to enjoy the satisfaction of finishing
a meal. Have seconds if still hungry. |
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Eat in
a pleasant atmosphere with family and friends if
desired. |
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Make sure
to consume at least eight to 10 glasses of water
per day to maintain fluid balance. |
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Consider
commercial liquid meal replacements such as Ensure,
Boost, Carnation, and Sustacal. |
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