It is a common syndrome associated with chronic illness and has been defined in the general population as weight loss of at least 5% in ≤12 months or body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m2 plus three of the following five features: decreased muscle strength; fatigue; anorexia; low fat-free mass index; abnormal biochemistry (increased inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L], anaemia [haemoglobin < 120 g/L] and low serum albumin [< 32 g/L] [8]. Here, CRP is linked to anemia (phenotype).