Supplementary tests
Symptoms and physical examination results suggest the cause of weight loss in about half of people, including many who are ultimately diagnosed with cancer.
Screening tests to find common cancers (for example, colonoscopy for colon cancer or mammography for breast cancer) are often done. Other tests are also done based on which disorders are suspected. When the medical history and physical examination do not suggest specific causes, some doctors perform a series of tests, including a chest x-ray, a blood and urine test, to reduce the number of possible causes. After performing these tests, more specific tests are done as needed.
If all results are normal, doctors usually re-evaluate the person after a few months to see if new symptoms or signs have developed.
TreatmentThe underlying disorder is treated. To help the affected person eat more, doctors often try behavioral measures, such as encouraging the person to eat, assisting with feeding, providing favorite or strong-tasting foods, and offering only small portions. If behavioral measures are ineffective, you can try high-nutrition food supplements. Feeding through a tube inserted into the stomach is the last resort, and is worth it only in certain specific situations. For example, tube feeding may be helpful if a person has a disorder that can be cured or resolved over time, while tube feeding may not be helpful if a person stops eating due to severe Alzheimer's disease.
Essentials for Seniors: Involuntary Weight LossThe incidence of involuntary weight loss increases with age, and often reaches 50% among nursing home residents. Elderly people are more likely to experience involuntary weight loss, as the disorders that cause weight loss are more common in these people.
keto shark tank There are also normal age-related changes that contribute to weight loss. Usually, many factors are involved. The normal age-related changes that can contribute to weight loss are: Decreased sensitivity to certain appetite-stimulating mediators and increased sensitivity to certain inhibitory mediators Decreased gastric emptying rate (prolonging the feeling of satiety) Decreased sensitivity to taste and smell Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) In addition, social isolation is common in the elderly, which tends to decrease food intake. Depression and dementia are very common contributing factors, especially among nursing home residents. It is often difficult to separate the exact contribution from the specific factors. Elderly people can benefit from nutritional supplements to correct vitamin deficiencies (for example, vitamins D and B12 ). However, supplements should be administered between meals and at bedtime, as they may otherwise reduce appetite at meals. Help with eating and shopping can also be helpful for some people.
