Research shows that depression is the most common reason for weight loss in the elderly (Gussler, 2009). Several causes of weight loss are identified, and outlined, in this mnemonic device “Meals on Wheels” (Gussler, 2009).

Medications

Emotions (depression)

Alcoholism, anorexia, abuse (elder)

Late life paranoia

Swallowing problems

Oral problems

Nosocomial infections, no money (poverty)

Wandering/dementia

Hyperthyroidism, hypercalcemia, hypoandrenalism

Enteric problems (malabsorption)

Eating problems (eg, tremor)

Low salt, low cholesterol diet,

Shopping and meal preparation problems, stones (cholecystitis)