
Slimming or weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or fitness, is a reduction in body mass of an individual or animal, because of an average loss of liquid, fat or tissue such as muscle, tendon or tissue. The thinning can be generalized, ie affecting the whole body or localized as in the case of muscular atrophy by immobilization. Late in the third age, the body tends to lose 1 to 2 Kg of body weight every decade.
The thinning can be non-intentional, as in the case of chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and certain forms of cancer, lung cancer and digestive tract are the most common malignancies in patients who undergo weight loss .Other forms of non-intentional loss of weight include disorders that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and poorly controlled diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
In other cases, thinning may be intentional, an effort by the individual, usually focused on diets, to improve their health or appearance. The weight loss therapy, especially in people with obesity may reduce the risk of diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers. The excessive or poorly controlled diets can cause malnutrition, anemia, muscular atrophy, vitamin deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances and water.