#6: Unintentional Weight Loss

Hello and welcome to the Medical Narratives podcast with Dr. Michael Gordon. I'm Regina Starr and in today's episode we will continue our series on the top 10 issues affecting the elderly. We are excited to present another informative episode on the topic of unintentional weight loss.

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RS: Hello and welcome to the Medical Narratives podcast with Dr. Michael Gordon. I'm Regina Starr and in today's episode we will continue our series on the top 10 issues affecting the elderly. We are excited to present another informative episode on the topic of unintentional weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, unexpected weight loss or losing weight without trying, particularly if it's a significant amount, may be a sign of a medical disorder. The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact but many health care providers agree that a medical evaluation is called for if a patient loses more than 5% of their weight within a year, especially in older adults. So for example, a 5% weight loss in someone who is 160 pounds (72 kilograms) is 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms). In someone who is 200 pounds (90 kilograms), it's 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).

RS: Hello Michael, I am looking forward to our conversation today.

MG: Hello, hope it works out well.

RS: It will.