Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What condition refers to extreme weight loss or body wasting that may not be reversed?

1. Cancer Cachexia

2. Cardiovascular Disease

3. Celiac Disease

4. Blood Glucose

The correct answer is: Cancer Cachexia

The condition that refers to extreme weight loss or body wasting that may not be reversed is cancer cachexia. This syndrome is commonly associated with advanced cancer and is characterized by significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and a decrease in overall functional status. Cancer cachexia results from a complex interplay of metabolic changes triggered by the cancer itself, inflammation, and the body’s response to the tumor. Individuals with cancer cachexia often experience a reduced appetite and altered metabolism, which contributes to the difficulty in maintaining body weight and muscle mass. Unlike typical weight loss that can be reversed through nutritional interventions and therapies, cancer cachexia is particularly challenging to treat, as it may not improve significantly even with increased caloric intake or nutritional supplements. In contrast, cardiovascular disease, celiac disease, and blood glucose issues may involve weight changes but do not specifically define the extreme body wasting characteristic of cancer cachexia. The emphasis on irreversible wasting differentiates this condition from other diseases where weight loss can be managed or reversed with treatment.