What are the Causes of Sudden Weight Loss and When to See the Doctor?

Unintended weight loss can be very frustrating, especially when it is relatively significant and you are unaware of the cause. Several medical professionals believe that if you lose more than 5% of your body weight in 6 months, particularly if you’re senior, a medical checkup is required. If there is no justification for sudden weight reduction, such as a dietary modification or physical exercise, it is a sign of danger.

Significant Causes of Abrupt Weight Loss

The term “unexplained weight reduction” refers to a drop in body weight that happens unexpectedly and may be an indication of illness. Your weight is influenced by a lot of variables, such as your age, calorie consumption, and general health. Sudden weight loss can have a variety of causes, including lifestyle choices and medical issues. Here are a few of the most typical reasons for unexpected weight loss.

Cancer: Among the most frequent reasons for a sudden loss of weight is cancer. These dangerous cells may consume much more of your energy or produce chemicals that will alter how you digest meals. Your immune system frequently needs to work harder as well.

You will become exhausted as a result, which increases your body’s calorie burning and may lead to weight loss. A person may experience rapid weight loss if they have cancers of the pancreas, stomach, or esophagus. Sudden weight loss can also be a symptom of other cancers, like lymphoma or leukemia.

Hyperthyroidism: The disease known as hyperthyroidism is brought on by an overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Together with additional symptoms including stress, sleeplessness, and an accelerated heart rate, this illness can lead an individual to rapidly drop weight. The thyroid controls your body’s metabolism. As a result, a hyperactive thyroid can increase caloric expenditure and reduce weight.

Depression: A person with depression may lose interest in eating and other past interests. Depression is a mental health disease. Those who are depressed often lose their appetite since the hormone levels that regulate factors like blood pressure, metabolism, glucose levels, and other basic processes may decrease.

Diabetes: The way your body uses glucose is impacted by the chronic disease known as diabetes. Your blood sugar levels may get too high if your body isn’t able to use insulin as it should or make enough of it. A person may experience other symptoms like increased thirst, excessive urination, and weariness in addition to rapid weight loss. The body’s capacity to absorb nutrients and glucose is compromised in diabetes. The result is a quick loss of weight when all the elements from the food are expelled. Both types of diabetes can cause unexplained weight loss, but Type 1 diabetes seems to cause it more frequently.

Malnutrition: When your body does not get adequate nutrients, malnutrition happens. Several things, including an unhealthy diet, a health issue that interferes with nutrition absorption, or an eating disorder, might contribute to this. In addition to other signs including weakness, exhaustion, and a compromised immune system, malnutrition can cause a person to lose weight quickly.

Celiac illness: Gluten, which is a protein present in wheat and other grains, affects your body to react if you have this condition. Your small intestine is accidentally attacked when you consume it by your immune system, which is meant to protect you from bacteria and other germs. Your body may find it difficult to absorb nutrients as a result, which may cause you to lose weight. Joint discomfort, itchy skin, mouth sores, and headaches are some potential symptoms. You can’t be certain till you go to the doctor. If so, you’ll have to adhere to a specific eating plan to halt the symptoms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It’s challenging to breathe when you have COPD, a collection of lung conditions. Tiny bronchioles in your lungs are harmed by this illness. Smoking is frequently to blame for it. You struggle to breathe and vomit up a thick substance called mucus as a result. To breathe in enough oxygen, your body requires more calories. Also, you can lose your appetite and get easily exhausted. Losing weight can result from any of these factors.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder also involves the body attacking healthy tissues, which results in inflammation and infection. This further impacts gut metabolism, which results in weight loss. This weight loss may result from the body using more energy because of the persistent inflammation that RA generates. The discomfort in their joints prevents patients with RA from participating in regular physical exercise, which can result in muscle loss.

Cardiovascular disease: Cardiovascular disease makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, which can lead to a person losing weight quickly. This may cause an appetite decrease and quick weight loss. A symptom of congestive cardiac failure is weight loss (CHF). You cannot get enough blood to your digestive tract if you have CHF. This might cause motion sickness and early fullness. Moreover, breathing while eating could be challenging. Inflamed heart tissue also has a faster metabolism, which results in unintended weight loss.

Medication: Medication-induced weight loss may occur directly or may result from nausea and appetite reduction. A person may lose weight quickly after taking some medications, including antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and appetite suppressants.

Addison’s Disease: An endocrine condition known as Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands that are located on top of each kidney and are linked to these issues. Cortisol and other important hormones or chemical messengers are produced by these glands. Weight loss, exhaustion, and other symptoms of Addison’s disease could all be caused by a deficiency of these hormones.

If You Unexpectedly Lose Weight, When Should You See a Doctor?

While being capable of losing weight without spending much effort can be thrilling, it’s important to remember that unanticipated weight loss can be a sign of several health problems. To identify the underlying cause of your unexpected weight loss, it’s crucial to visit a doctor.

Along with conducting a physical examination and ordering any required tests, your physician will consult with you about your symptoms, medical history, and general health. Consequently, if you suddenly lose weight without altering your dietary or physical activity regimen, you must visit a doctor.

If you have a history of medical issues that can lead to weight loss, it’s especially imperative that you visit a doctor. It’s crucial to frequently check your weight if you have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, or an eating disorder – medical help is essential if any abrupt changes occur. Any underlying medical disorders that might be causing your weight loss are identified by extensive physical exams, diagnostic tests, and assistance from a doctor.

How Can You Prevent a Sudden Loss of Weight?

It’s important to pay attention to any sudden weight loss because it may be cause for concern. It may be brought on by many things, such as stress, unhealthful lifestyle choices, or underlying health problems.

It’s critical to deal with the underlying reason for abrupt weight loss to halt it. This may entail consulting a doctor to rule out any medical concerns, lowering stress levels through relaxation methods like meditation or yoga, and implementing a balanced and wholesome diet.

Also, it’s crucial to get enough rest and engage in regular physical activity. Instead of focusing on abrupt or drastic changes, a healthy and lasting weight loss plan should emphasize gradual and consistent development.

Conclusion

It’s vital to see a doctor for a checkup because abrupt weight loss may indicate a serious medical problem. To find any underlying issues, a doctor can do the necessary tests, perform a comprehensive medical examination, and examine health records. Early identification and treatment can improve health outcomes and save lives. It is recommended that you visit PSRI Hospital if you experience unexpected weight reduction.

FAQs

Q. 1 What are some common root causes of abrupt weight loss?

A: Sudden weight loss can be caused by different variables such as stress, anxiety, cancer cells, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, food poisoning, drug-negative effects, or a hidden infection.

Q. 2 Is sudden weight loss a cause for concern?

A: Yes, unexpected weight loss can be an indication of a hidden wellness concern and also ought not to be overlooked. Unintended weight management of 5% or more of body weight within 6 months is considered considerable and needs clinical focus.

Q. 3 When should I see a doctor for sudden weight loss?

A: If you have inadvertently dropped weight without changing your diet plan or workout routines, it’s recommended to see a medical professional to rule out any type of underlying health and wellness problems. You should likewise seek clinical support if you experience various other signs, such as exhaustion, weakness, or modifications in bowel practices.

Q. 4 What tests will my doctor perform to diagnose the cause of my sudden weight loss?

A: Your medical professional may execute a physical exam, assess your case history, as well as order blood tests, imaging examinations, or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying root cause of your weight loss.

Q. 5 How can I prevent sudden weight loss?

A: To prevent abrupt fat burning, it’s vital to preserve a healthy and also well-balanced diet, remain physically active, handle stress and anxiety levels, and also get normal tests with your medical professional. If you experience sudden changes in weight or other health signs, look for medical focus quickly.