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Cachexia is the term used to describe severe body weight and muscle loss that occurs due to chronic illness. It is a complex metabolic syndrome that is often associated with diseases such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions. Cachexia is characterized not simply by weight loss, but also by a loss of muscle mass and fat, which can lead to significant weakness and deterioration of function.

This condition is distinct from general malnutrition, which may simply involve inadequate intake of nutrients, and it often requires specialized approaches to nutrition and treatment. While malnutrition can result from a wide array of deficiencies or imbalances in diet, cachexia indicates a specific pathological response to an underlying chronic illness. Therefore, understanding cachexia is vital in clinical settings, particularly in managing patients with chronic diseases to improve their quality of life and outcomes.