1. Health

Wasting Syndrome

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 13, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Wasting syndrome, an HIV related weight loss, is defined as the involuntary loss of 10 percent of baseline body weight. Wasting syndrome is sometimes accompanied by

  • chronic diarrhea (two loose stools per day for more than 30 days)
  • chronic weakness
  • documented fever for 30 days or more which can be intermittent or constant.

Wasting syndrome weight loss occurs in the absence of a concurrent illnesses or conditions. Wasting syndrome is considered an AIDS defining illness.

What Are the AIDS Defining Illnesses?

Food for Thought - The Key Is Weight Maintenance

Tips to Combatting Weight Loss

Also Known As:
  • Wasting
  • AIDS Wasting
  • Weight Loss

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