Unexplained loss of muscle mass - Rebalance Clinic

Unexplained loss of muscle mass, known as cachexia, is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by weight, fat, and muscle loss. This symptom is not caused by disease or lack of nutrition alone. Cachexia differs from starvation, age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), and malnutrition. Causes Cachexia often results from:

• Chronic diseases like cancer, COPD, congestive heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease. The body burns more calories and produces inflammation during illness.
• Infections like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria may increase calorie burn and inflammation.
• Medications can sometimes cause muscle loss as a side effect.

Risk factors for cachexia include advanced age and diseases like cancer or COPD. Your risk rises with the severity of the underlying condition. Genetics may also play a role. Symptoms While weight loss is the hallmark of cachexia, it also causes:

• Loss of muscle strength
• Fatigue, weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Impaired immune function

Diagnosis A doctor will diagnose cachexia by:

• Reviewing your symptoms
• Conducting a physical exam to check weight changes and muscle wasting
• Doing blood tests to check for conditions causing inflammation

Often, no definitive cause can be identified for unexplained cachexia. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and may include:

• Nutritional support, through food or medical nutrition therapy
• Exercise to counteract muscle loss
• Treatment of underlying illness, when cachexia is disease-related
• Medications to boost appetite or block inflammation

With treatment, some weight gain and stabilization is possible. However, cachexia often advances despite therapy. Early intervention provides your best chance to slow muscle wasting.