Hi Folks, Yes, probably caused by an underlying disease process. My old Tabers Medical Dictionary states: "A condition due to lack of any food material essential to the body, such as general underfeeding, undernutrition or caloric insufficiency. ETIOL: It may be due to other causes than the food supply, such as faulty mastication, stenosis or alimentary canal, etc. " Anne Stephens In a message dated 6/7/0 7:49:52 AM, rmharing@acd-pc.com writes: << >From Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary: INANITION - "the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water". Would you think provoked by a disease process? Regina Haring, Nanuet, NY >>