Which term describes physical wasting due to loss of weight and muscle mass, often due to advanced cancer or AIDS?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Cachexia
• C. Malabsorption
• D. Anorexia

Answer: (B)

Cachexia describes physical wasting from loss of weight and muscle mass due to chronic illness, especially in advanced cancer or AIDS, driven by systemic inflammation and metabolic changes that promote protein breakdown and fat loss. It differs from simple dehydration (fluid loss), malabsorption (nutrient absorption issues), or anorexia (loss of appetite) because cachexia involves ongoing catabolism and muscle wasting even when intake may be adequate. This combination of weight and lean-mass loss with a metabolic inflammatory basis is what makes cachexia the best term for this description.