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Weight loss - unintentional
Loss of weight; Losing weight without trying
Unexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own.
Many people gain and lose weight. Unintentional weight loss is loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) OR 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less without knowing the reason.
Causes
A loss of appetite may be due to:
- Feeling depressed
- Cancer, even when other symptoms are not present
- Chronic infection such as AIDS
- Chronic illness, such as COPD or Parkinson disease
- Drugs, including chemotherapy drugs, and thyroid medicines
- Drug abuse such as amphetamines and cocaine
- Stress or anxiety
Chronic digestive system problems that decrease the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs, including:
- Diarrhea and other infections that last a long time, such as parasites
- Chronic swelling or infection in the pancreas
- Removal of part of the small intestine
- Overuse of laxatives
Other causes such as:
- Eating disorders, anorexia nervosa that have not been diagnosed yet
- Diabetes that have not been diagnosed
- Overactive thyroid gland
Home Care
Your health care provider may suggest changes in your diet and an exercise program depending on the cause of your weight loss.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
-
You or a family member
loses more weight
than is considered healthy for their age and height.
Loses more weight
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people lose more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height. People with this disorder may...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - You have lost more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) OR 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less, and you do not know the reason.
- You have other symptoms along with the weight loss.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care provider will do a physical exam and check your weight. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
- How much weight have you lost?
- When did the weight loss begin?
- Has the weight loss occurred quickly or slowly?
- Are you eating less?
- Are you eating different foods?
- Are you exercising more?
- Have you been sick?
- Do you have any dental problems or mouth sores?
- Do you have more stress or anxiety than usual?
- Have you vomited? Did you make yourself vomit?
-
Are you
fainting
?
Fainting
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...
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Do you have occasional uncontrollable
hunger
with
palpitations
, tremor, and
sweating
?
Hunger
Increased appetite means you have an excess desire for food.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePalpitations
Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSweating
Sweating is the release of liquid from the body's sweat glands. This liquid contains salt. This process is also called perspiration. Sweating helps...
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Have you had
constipation
or diarrhea?
Constipation
Constipation in infants and children occurs when they have hard stools or have problems passing stools. A child may have pain while passing stools o...
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Do you have
increased thirst
or are you drinking more?
Increased thirst
Excessive thirst is an abnormal feeling of always needing to drink fluids.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Are you urinating more than usual?
- Have you lost any hair?
- What medicines are you taking?
- Do you feel sad or depressed?
- Are you pleased or concerned with the weight loss?
You may need to see a dietitian for nutrition advice.
References
Bistrian BR. Nutritional assessment. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 221.
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, medical director and director of didactic curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
