System – Body Composition

What Is Unexplained Weight Gain? Unexplained weight gain is characterized by increased body mass due to excess fat accumulation that is not desired by the individual. A body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30 signifies being overweight. What Is ...

What Is Obesity? Obesity is an inflammatory metabolic disorder that is characterized by body mass index greater than 30% resulting from excessive body fat stored in adipose tissue. Q: What is body fat? A: Body fat is part of the body ...

What Is Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hypothyroidism)? Autoimmune thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s Disease, is an autoimmune destruction of thyroid tissue characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone circulating in the body that causes formation of a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and ...

What Is Unexpected Weight Loss? Unexpected weight loss is unintentional loss of body mass composition or inability to gain weight marked by decreased serum proteins and increased stool fat.1 What Is Unexpected Weight Loss In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity? ...

What Is Increased Appetite? Increased appetite is the increased desire for food. Q: What causes appetite. A: Appetite is caused by hunger. The brain monitors nutritional needs and employs a hunger mechanism to alert us when fresh food is needed. Hunger is ...

What Is Anorexia? Anorexia or loss of appetite is a reduced desire to eat which can cause unintentional weight loss. Anorexia is a feature of many disorders caused by malutrition such as celiac disease and aging or gastrointestinal problems such ...

What Is Loss of Vitality? Loss of vitality is a state of diminished power to live or go on living, interfering with normal functioning and survival. As weakness and fatigue worsen, the affected person increasingly loses interest in surroundings, activites, and ...

What Is Cachexia? Cachexia is a state of ill health involving deteriorating body composition that is characterized by general malnutrition and loss of lean tissue such as muscle. Q: What are typical findings in cachexia? A: Arm muscle triceps (the ...

What Is Grave’s Disease (Hyperthyroidism)? Grave’s disease, or hyperthyroidism, is an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by diffuse nontender goiter, elevated thyroxine hormone levels (T4, T3), suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and presence of thyroid receptor antibodies in the blood. The ...