Definition

Weight loss is reduced body weight.

It can occur intentionally or unintentionally and is generally categorized into two main types:

  1. Intentional Weight Loss: This involves a deliberate effort to lose weight, often through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications. It may also include medical interventions like medications or surgery.

  2. Unintentional Weight Loss: This occurs without a conscious effort and may result from underlying health conditions such as malnutrition, chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances, infections, or psychological factors.

Weight loss is typically expressed in terms of a reduction in:

  • Fat mass: Decreasing stored body fat.
  • Lean mass: Muscle or bone mass loss, which may occur in certain conditions or with extreme calorie restriction.

Clinically, weight loss is often assessed by changes in body weight (measured on a scale) and can be further evaluated using tools like body composition analysis.

 

Weight Loss

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