Under certain pathological conditions, losing weight is a negative effect due to the onset of malnutrition. These adverse situations can be divided into four categories, based on the aetiological mechanism on which they are based; let's see them in more detail:
Alteration of food intake : inappetence can be the direct symptom or the consequence of pain caused by an illness.
Certain conditions can cause nausea or cause a real aversion to food.
The inability to eat could originate from: confusion or reduced consciousness, physical problems affecting the upper limbs, problems with swallowing or chewing.
Sometimes, the lack of availability of food, which may depend on: poverty, difficulty in buying or cooking, and poor quality of meals, is more simple.
Reduction of digestion and / or absorption : it can be due to conditions that affect the digestive system.
Altered needs : certain diseases, surgery and some organ dysfunctions can alter the body's metabolic needs.
Excessive loss of nutrients : due to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, as well as fistulas and stomata, gastro intestinal nutrient losses can occur.
Moreover, rarer but still not to be excluded, the occurrence of leaks from supply ducts; for example, nasogastric tubes.
Even burns can be associated with organic nutrient losses, in the form of cutaneous exudates.
