Venous Thromboembolism and Weight Changes in Veteran Patients Using Megestrol Acetate as an Appetite Stimulant

Anorexia and cachexia are associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease, end-stage renal disease, and endocrine abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and diabetes mellitus.(1) Anorexia has also been shown to be associated with the aging process.(2) Loss of appetite, lean muscle mass, and adipose tissue is associated with physical weakness as well as decreases in quality of life, sense of well-being, and level of functionality.(3,4)