special subjects
Involuntary Weight Loss
Treatment of Involuntary Weight Loss
The underlying disorder causing involuntary weight loss is treated. To help people eat more, doctors often try behavioral measures, such as encouraging people to eat, assisting them with eating, providing favorite or strongly flavored foods, and offering only small portions. If behavioral measures are ineffective, high-nutrition food supplements can be tried. Feedings through a tube inserted into the stomach are a last resort and are worthwhile only in certain specific situations. For example, tube feedings can be worthwhile if a person has a disorder that will eventually be cured or resolve, whereas tube feedings may not be worthwhile if a person stops eating because of severe Alzheimer disease. 