Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a noticeable drop in body weight that occurs even if the person is not trying to lose weight. Weight loss does not come about because of diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of a serious illness, including cancer or diabetes.

A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount — 5 kg or more, or five percent of body weight — within 6 to 12 months. In addition, take note of any other symptoms to talk with your doctor.

Unexplained weight loss can occur in anyone. However, it is most common (and most serious) in people who are over the age of 65. If they don’t live in a nursing home or other care setting, cancer, digestive tract disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, and mental health problems like depression are the most common reasons. Even unexplained weight loss of less than 5 percent of body weight or 10 pounds may be a sign of a serious health condition in older people. Cancer patients reported that about 40% of them had lost weight at the time of diagnosis.

Unintentional weight loss has many different causes. It can be caused by conditions that range from mild to very serious. The causes can also be psychological. Some causes of unintentional weight loss include:

• Depression & Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Thyroid Disorder
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart failure
• Dental Problems
• Tuberculosis
• Hypercalcemia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Crohn’s disease (an inflammation of the bowels)
• Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone
• AIDS

Side effects of prescription medications

Sometimes weight loss can be caused by cancer. It’s important to get it checked if you’re losing weight without trying.

Give your healthcare team a complete and careful medical history if you’ve unintentionally lost weight. It is the process by which your healthcare provider determines your risks and narrows the possibilities for underlying medical conditions, along with the physical exam.

A healthcare provider will order blood tests based on many factors, including your symptoms. Tests that are commonly done include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC can show evidence of infections, anemia (that can be caused by many conditions), and more.
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Blood sugar (glucose)
• Complete Urine Examination
• Tests for inflammation: Non-specific tests may include a erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein.
• Electrolytes: Levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium may give clues to an underlying problem.

Treatment for unintentional weight loss depends on what’s causing it.
Depending on the possible cause, they may:

• If you have a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian or devise a diet plan that helps to correct the deficiency.
• Your doctor will likely prescribe medication if a hormonal disorder is causing unintentional weight loss.
• You can correct unintentional weight loss due to general illnesses such as influenza, the common cold, or food poisoning with bed rest, an increase in fluids, and medications used to settle the stomach, and by getting back on your normal diet when you are feeling better.
• If your doctor suspects that your unintentional weight loss may be due to a more serious illness, such as cancer, you may undergo some other treatments.