This refers to physical wasting due to a particular health condition. Cachexia is usually seen in patients with advanced stages of cancer, AIDS, and other chronic diseases.
Individuals with cachexia exhibit loss of weight, fat and muscle mass, thereby experiencing weakness.
Cachexia and anorexia almost always occur together. However, cachexia can also happen to those who eat enough but cannot absorb the essential nutrients that are needed by the body, such as amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates.