1)      Unexplained persistent (that is more than 3 weeks) weight  loss (CXR to exclude lung Ca, UGIE to exclude upper GIT Ca)

2)      Weight loss in the elderly male (DRE and a PSA to exclude prostate Ca)

3)      Presence of terminal illness

4)      Presence of an active pressure ulcer

5)      Presence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

6)      Presence of fluid retention/edema

7)      Presence of underlying infection

8)      Losing weight despite excellent appetite and normal intake – inadequate caloric intake for the height and weight and activity level, unrecognized caloric expenditure for repetitive activity like wandering, movement disorders, large pressure ulcers, chronic underlying infections