Weight loss of unknown origin

Differential Diagnosis: Involuntary weight loss is associated with increase d mortality and morbidity. Differential diagnosis includes more than 50 dis ease entities; therefore the diagnostic strategy is determined by additiona l symptoms. The syndrome of "consumption", i. e. weight loss as an isolated symptom or together with malaise, may indicate tumors (lung, pancreas, kidney cancer, malignant lymphoma), infections (tuberculosis, HIV), immunologic diseases ( lupus erythematosus, vasculitis), hyperthyroidism, extraintestinal Crohn's disease, or psychogenic diseases (depression, psychogenic eating disorders) . Conclusion: Recognition of the underlying disease is often delayed by a lac k of awareness for weight changes, both by physicians and by patients. Nutr itional counselling and treatment should be initiated in time.