cachexia The condition of extreme emaciation and wasting seen in patients with advanced diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Due partly to an inadequate intake of food and mainly the effects of the disease in increasing metabolic rate (hypermetabolism) and the breakdown of tissue protein.

cachexia (kă-keks-iă) n. a condition of abnormally low weight, weakness, and general bodily decline associated with chronic disease, such as cancer.