ABSTRACT
Anorexia and cachexia often coincide and the syndrome of cancer cachexia is well recognized, despite its precise cause being unclear.
Most research in this field revolves around cancer, with a small amount looking specifically at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, some of the points raised may be applied to patients suffering with advanced non-malignant conditions and these will be highlighted where possible.
