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Table 32-1

Causes of Weight Loss

Cancer

Endocrine and metabolic causes

Hyperthyroidism

Diabetes mellitus

Pheochromocytoma

Adrenal insufficiency

Gastrointestinal disorders

Malabsorption

Obstruction

Peptic ulcer

Celiac disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Pancreatitis

Pernicious anemia

Cardiac disorders

Chronic ischemia

Chronic congestive heart failure

Respiratory disorders

Emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Renal insufficiency

Rheumatologic disease

Infections

HIV

Tuberculosis

Parasitic infection

Subacute bacterial endocarditis

Medications

Sedatives

Antibiotics

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Metformin

Levodopa

ACE inhibitors

Other drugs

Disorders of the mouth and teeth

Caries

Dysgeusia

Age-related factors

Physiologic changes

Decreased taste and smell

Functional disabilities

Neurologic causes

Stroke

Parkinson's disease

Neuromuscular disorders

Dementia

Social causes

Isolation

Economic hardship

Psychiatric and behavioral causes

Depression

Anxiety

Bereavement

Alcoholism

Eating disorders

Increased activity or exercise

Idiopathic

Abbreviation: ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme.