Chapter 43 WEIGHT LOSS
Clinically significant weight loss can be defined as the loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more than 5% of the usual body weight over 6 to 12 months, especially when the weight loss is progressive. Weight loss greater than 10% in that amount of time represents protein-energy malnutrition, which is associated with impaired physiologic function, such as impaired cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Weight loss greater than 20% in the same time represents severe protein-energy malnutrition and is associated with organ dysfunction.
