The Greeks named it cachexia, meaning "bad condition." And those that suffer from wasting syndrome's scary side effects—unexplained weight loss, muscle atrophy, decrease in appetite, anemia, and inflammation—are still without treatment. Here's how to tell if you or someone you know might have this affliction. (If you're losing weight without trying, you could have an underlying health issue.)
(Halt chronic inflammation and reverse symptoms of more than 45 diseases with the natural solution in The Whole Body Cure.)
What Is Wasting Syndrome?
Cachexia, also called "wasting syndrome," is a metabolic disorder that causes muscles to deteriorate. It's spurred by a pre-existing condition or disease that causes the patient's immune system to activate and become catabolic to the body, essentially turning on itself and eating the body away. Such conditions include serious illnesses like cancer, autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), cardiac diseases, infectious diseases (like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis), and diabetes.
MORE: 5 Most Common Types Of Cancer In Women
And cachexia, though not fully understood, is also not uncommon. The syndrome affects many patients with late-stage illnesses, including 5-15% of people with chronic heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and as many as 60–80% of people with advanced cancers, according to the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWS). (Here are 10 ways to prevent heart disease.)
"Tom Hanks in Philadelphia is a very good representation of cachexia," says Stefan D. Anker, PhD, MD, president of the SCWS. In the 1993 film, Hanks' character becomes weak, frail, and gaunt due to severe HIV/AIDS. "These are all hallmark symptoms of someone suffering from cachexia," says Anker.
Depending on the underlying medical condition, cachexia—a secondary syndrome—causes rapid weight loss in short periods of time. Medical diagnosis of cachexia is defined as a weight loss greater than 5% of body weight in 12 months or less in the presence of chronic illness, says the SCWS.
PREVENTION PREMIUM: 4 Keys To Living Well—From The Terminally Ill
How It Affects The Body
"Cachexia is produced by immune system cells secreting increased levels of substances called cytokines," says Kenneth Gruber, PhD, professor in the Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Missouri. "Cytokines act on the brain to produce the elevated metabolism and decreased appetite."
Under stress, the cells become inflamed, and the body starts to attack its protein, muscle, and fat tissue. "Loss of skeletal muscle is the most obvious symptom of cachexia," says Gruber.
MORE: 7 Scary Reasons You're Losing Weight Without Trying
However, it's not the muscle loss that leads cachexia to become fatal.
"Cachexia causes multi-organ failure," Gruber explains. "Think of elevating metabolism in the cells of your body as the equivalent of (constantly) running your car engine at high RPMs—it eventually leads to engine failure."
It's a serious condition for those suffering from already dangerous diseases. A 2013 study titled "Cachexia: is a Major Public Health Problem: Frequent, Costly, and Deadly," published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, found that "cachexia increases mortality in chronic disease and is present in about 30% of patients that die."
Cancer patients have the highest percentage of deaths: One-third will die from the effects of cachexia, according to the National Cancer Institute. (Know these 10 cancer symptoms most people ignore.)
Take note. Here are 7 ways you can prevent breast cancer from coming back:
How To Treat It
A pharmacological cure does not exist for cachexia yet, but research is ongoing and in high-demand worldwide.
A recent study on mice by University of Iowa researchers found that compounds in oregano and thyme helped promote an increase in muscle mass by inducing calcium cycling—similar to when we exercise and move our muscles.
"These compounds can theoretically benefit this condition," says Rajan Sah, MD, PhD, lead researcher and assistant professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Iowa. So they're being pursued as an over-the-counter treatment to combat cachexia.
MORE: This Last-Resort Test Saved 2 Women From Cancer—And It Could Save You, Too
Gruber and his research team at the University of Missouri are also animal testing a promising drug treatment that works to block the side effects of the increased levels of cytokines caused by wasting syndrome. The drug works by creating a protective barrier in the brain that prevents overstimulation of the melanocortin system, which is responsible for metabolism regulation.
But lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition and targeted exercises, are also important for cachexia patients.
They should be "increasing caloric intake, in particular high quality protein, and resistance exercises," says Simon Wing, MD, professor of endocrinology and metabolism at McGill University. Cachexia patients are also encouraged to eat foods rich in amino acids, which support muscle growth and production. (These are the 6 healthiest protein powders for your smoothie.)
"Increasing caloric intake does not truly reverse the cachexia," says Gruber. However, it can help combat further degradation and give the body energy rather than deplete it.
MORE: This Exercise Helped Me Finally Manage My Chronic Pain
The Good News
As scary as wasting syndrome sounds, it can be prevented by early detection and treatment of the chronic conditions that cause it. Consider this just another important reason to maintain regular checkups with your doctors.
"Diseases are more effectively treated by early detection," stresses Gruber. Stay up-to-date on your immunization schedule, and remember to get regular screenings for chronic illnesses.
Emily Shiffer
Freelance Writer
Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men's Health, and Prevention magazines. Her freelance writing has been featured in Women's Health, Runner's World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.
