Loss of appetite is associated with a loss of weight and fat mass in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: Weight loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with faster disease progression and shorter survival. It has different possible causes, including loss of appetite. Our objective is to determine the prevalence and impact of loss of appetite on change in body weight and composition in patients with ALS. Methods: We conducted a prospective case-control study, comparing demographic, clinical, appetite and prognostic features between 62 patients with ALS and 45 healthy non-neurodegenerative disease (NND) controls. To determine the impact of loss of appetite on weight throughout disease course, we conducted serial assessments at similar to three to four-month intervals. Results: Loss of appetite is more prevalent in patients with ALS than NND controls (29 vs. 11.1%, odds ratio = 3.27 (1.1-9.6); p < 0.01). In patients with ALS, loss of appetite is associated with greater weight loss and greater loss of fat mass. Appetite scores in patients with ALS worsens as disease progresses and are correlated with worsening ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised scores. Conclusion: We confirm that loss of appetite is prevalent in patients with ALS and is significantly associated with weight loss and loss of fat mass. Appetite worsens with disease progression. Identification and early interventions to address loss of appetite in patients with ALS may prevent or slow weight loss; this could improve disease outcome.