A PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW- UP STUDY OF CAUSES OF INVOLUNTARY WEIGHT LOSS (IWL) AMONG IN- AND OUT-PATIENTS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE & GIT WORDS IN JUNDI SHAPUR MEDICAL SCIENCES HOSPITALS OVER A PERIOD OF 41 MONTHS

Involuntray weight loss (IWL) is a common complaint and in some cases has serious causes. The possible causes of weight loss are extensive. The aim of this study was to examine the causes of unintentional weight loss.In this research we studied 220 [108 female (49%) and 112 male (51%)] patients with weight loss being the chief complaint, without any previous known disease, over a 41-month period.In 196 cases (89%), the etiology of IWL was found and in remaining 24 cases (12%) the etiology remained unknown. The most common cause for IWL was non-malignant diseases, 190 cases (97%) non-malignant versus 6 cases (3%) malignancy.The GI and psychological disorders constitute more than 63% (140/220) of all causes of IWL. Among GI disorders the gastroesophageal reflex was the most common and should be carefully considered. Therefore, the physician must assure patients and evaluate the causes of involuntary weight loss. Prudently, more and wider epidemiological studies on the clinical course of IWL patients and its effect, on morbidity, mortality and prognosis are recommended.