Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other connective tissue. Weight loss can either occur unintentionally due to malnourishment or an underlying disease or arise from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state. “Unexplained” weight loss that is not caused by reduction in calorific intake or exercise is called cachexia and may be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Intentional weight loss is commonly referred to as slimming.

Unintentional weight loss may result from loss of body fats, loss of body fluids, muscle atrophy, or even a combination of these.[1][2] It is generally regarded as a medical problem when at least 10% of a person’s body weight has been lost in six months[1][3] or 5% in the last month.[4] Another criterion used for assessing weight that is too low is the body mass index (BMI).[5] However, even lesser amounts of weight loss can be a cause for serious concern in a frail elderly person.[6]