Emaciation

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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Emaciation
Synonyms	Wasting
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Internal medicine, Pediatrics
Symptoms	Severe weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue
Complications	Infection, organ failure
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Variable, depending on cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Malnutrition, chronic disease, eating disorders
Risks	Poverty, famine, chronic illness
Diagnosis	Physical examination, body mass index (BMI) assessment
Differential diagnosis	Cachexia, anorexia nervosa, marasmus
Prevention	Adequate nutrition, treatment of underlying conditions
Treatment	Nutritional support, treatment of underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on cause and treatment
Frequency	Common in areas with food insecurity
Deaths	N/A

Emaciation

Emaciation is a condition characterized by extreme weight loss and thinness due to a loss of subcutaneous fat (the fatty, or adipose tissue beneath the skin) and muscle throughout the body. It is often the result of severe starvation and/or disease.

Emaciation, disease, and famine, Korea,

Causes

Emaciation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Starvation: This is the most common cause of emaciation. It occurs when an individual does not consume enough food to meet their body's nutritional needs.
• Disease: Certain diseases, such as cancer, tuberculosis, and AIDS, can cause emaciation. These diseases can lead to a loss of appetite, increased metabolic rate, or both.
• Malabsorption: This occurs when the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food. It can be caused by conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
• Eating disorders: Disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can lead to emaciation due to self-imposed starvation and purging.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of emaciation is extreme thinness. Other symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age)

Treatment

Treatment for emaciation typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This can include:

• Nutritional therapy: This involves providing the individual with a balanced diet to help them gain weight and restore their health.
• Medication: If the emaciation is caused by a disease, medication may be used to treat the disease.
• Psychotherapy: If the emaciation is caused by an eating disorder, psychotherapy can help the individual address their unhealthy eating behaviors.

See also

• Malnutrition
• Cachexia
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa

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