Glossary

Wasting Syndrome

Wasting Syndrome is commonly experienced by people living with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy treatments, causing severe weight loss, appetite, anaemia and fatigue.

When a person unintentionally loses more than 10% of their body weight and may be experiencing diarrhoea or weakness, often they are experiencing wasting syndrome. The inadequate intake and absorption of calories and nutrients as well as deficiencies in hormone levels and metabolism rate cause wasting syndrome, and so it is typically associated with conditions like HIV and cancer. 

To find out more about wasting syndrome click here