What is Unexplained Weight Loss?
Unexplained weight loss is when you lose weight without intending to or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine. Losing five percent of your body weight in a six to twelve month period without trying could be a red flag for an underlying medical condition.
Possible Medical Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss
While weight loss can be a sign of a successful diet or exercise program, unexplained weight loss can indicate an underlying medical condition. Here are some possible medical causes of unexplained weight loss:
Cancer and Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. Cancer cells can cause changes in your body that lead to weight loss, even if you're still eating the same amount of food.
Hyperthyroidism and Unexplained Weight Loss
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can speed up your metabolism and lead to unintended weight loss, even if you're eating more than usual.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Unexplained Weight Loss
If you're experiencing unexplained weight loss, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and order any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause.
Preventing Unexplained Weight Loss
Digestive disorders, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause unwanted weight loss. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.
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When to Seek Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Loss
If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause.
Preventing Unexplained Weight Loss
While not all cases of unexplained weight loss can be prevented, taking care of your health can help reduce your risk of developing certain medical conditions. Here are some tips to help prevent unexplained weight loss:
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- Maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise routine can help reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes, and other conditions that can lead to unexplained weight loss.
- Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect any medical conditions early on, when they may be easier to treat.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods can help ensure that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Medications, allergies and foods that can be the cause of weight loss
Medications that can cause weight loss:
- Stimulants: medications that increase the activity of the central nervous system, such as amphetamines, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and phentermine.
- Topiramate: a medication used to treat seizures and migraines that can cause loss of appetite and weight loss as side effects.
- Metformin: a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that can cause weight loss as a side effect.
- Orlistat: a medication used for weight loss that works by blocking the absorption of fat in the digestive tract.
- Liraglutide: a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity that can cause weight loss as a side effect.
Allergies that can cause weight loss:
- Food allergies: certain food allergies can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to weight loss.
Foods that can cause weight loss:
- Low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods: foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can help promote weight loss.
- High-fiber foods: foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
It's important to note that any medication, allergy, or food can potentially cause weight loss as a side effect, and that weight loss should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
