Editing Cachexia (section)

=== Metabolic ===
Cachexia can also result from changes in metabolism. Tumors sometimes release molecules that break down fat and muscle, causing cachexia by making it harder for the body to keep up with energy needs.<ref name="nishikawa-2021" /> These molecules include lipid mobilizing factor, [[proteolysis-inducing factor]], and [[Uncoupling protein|mitochondrial uncoupling proteins]].<ref name="nishikawa-2021" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Martignoni ME, Kunze P, Friess H | title = Cancer cachexia | journal = Molecular Cancer | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 36 | date = November 2003 | pmid = 14613583 | pmc = 280692 | doi = 10.1186/1476-4598-2-36 | doi-access = free }}</ref> In addition, uncontrolled inflammation in people with cachexia increases the body's need for nutrients.<ref name="setiawan-2023" /><ref name="argiles-2016" />

The way the body uses nutrients is also changed in cachexia. People with cachexia can have loss of appetite, are less responsive to insulin, and can have increased fat breakdown, all of which make it difficult for the body to properly use food. This is especially true in people with cancer.<ref name="petruzzelli-2016" />