Unexplained Weight Loss: Causes & Treatment

Symptoms of Unexpected Weight Loss

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak despite normal activities.
• Loss of Appetite: A noticeable decrease in hunger or interest in food.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in limbs or difficulty performing everyday tasks.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting without a clear cause.
• Frequent Illnesses: Increased susceptibility to infections or illnesses.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Pain or bloating in the stomach area.
• Change in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issues.
• Swelling: Swelling in the abdomen or legs due to fluid retention.
• Pale or Yellow Skin: Skin becomes pale or jaundiced.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded even with minimal activity.

Common Causes of Unexpected Weight Loss

• Short-term illnesses like the flu or common cold, can cause weight loss due to abdominal discomfort.
• Dental problems that make eating and swallowing difficult.
• Depression or anxiety, which can reduce appetite or interfere with eating.
• Side effects of prescription drugs.
• Drug abuse, including misuse of stimulants or other substances.
• Alcohol abuse, which can lead to poor nutrition and malabsorption of nutrients.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), making it hard to maintain a normal diet.
• Undiagnosed eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
• Muscle loss or atrophy, leading to unexpected weight loss with noticeable muscle weakness.

Conditions that Cause Unexpected Weight Loss

• Thyroid Disorders: Both an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause weight loss by affecting metabolism.
• Cancer: Various types of cancer can lead to unintentional weight loss.
• Heart Failure: In severe cases, heart failure can cause unexpected weight loss due to poor circulation and metabolic changes.
• Addison's Disease: A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to weight loss.
• Parkinson's Disease: A neurodegenerative condition that may cause unexplained weight loss due to changes in metabolism and muscle mass.
• AIDS: The advanced stages of HIV/AIDS can result in weight loss due to the body's increased metabolic demands.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like peptic ulcers or ulcerative colitis can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, causing malabsorption and weight loss.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause weight loss due to poor sugar metabolism and increased urination.
• Parasitic Infections: Certain infections can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
• Swelling of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): Inflammation of the pancreas can cause weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Chronic inflammation in RA can speed up metabolism and reduce body weight.
• Dementia: Cognitive decline and loss of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss over time.

Reasons for Unexplained Weight Loss

Several Unexplained Weight Loss Reasons can be explored, including:

• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions that alter metabolism can lead to weight loss.
• Infections: Chronic infections or diseases can cause unintended weight loss.
• Malabsorption: Issues with absorbing nutrients from food can result in weight loss.

Unexplained Weight Loss in Women vs Men

Anyone can experience unexplained weight loss, regardless of gender. However, whether a person is male or female can increase the risk of certain conditions that can cause this symptom. Adult women who are between the ages of 25 and 29 or older than 35 have a significantly higher risk of Crohn's disease than men. After age 45, men have a substantially higher risk of ulcerative colitis than women.

Men have a higher rate of the following compared to women:

• Endocarditis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Lung cancer

When to See a Doctor?

While body weight can fluctuate naturally, a person should contact a doctor if they lose over 5% of their initial body weight in 6 to 12 months without making any changes to their exercise routine or diet.

A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss with no other symptoms by conducting a physical exam and reviewing a person's medical history.

They may also use blood tests, including hormone panels or imaging studies, to rule out specific medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, RA, or cancer.

Diagnosis for Unexplained Weight Loss

If you've got unintentional weight loss, your physician will first take a cautious history, search for chance factors for plenty of clinical conditions, after which carry out a physical exam. Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend more tests and radiological studies to try to track your weight loss. Consider when the weight loss started. This will give your doctor useful information that can help him make a diagnosis.

Tests

Blood tests your doctor orders will depend on many factors, including any symptoms you have. Commonly performed tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count can reveal evidence of infections, anemia (which can be caused by many conditions that result in unintended weight loss), and more.
• Thyroid panel
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Blood sugar (glucose)
• Urinalysis
• Inflammation tests: Non-specific tests may include a sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein
• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and calcium can give clues to an underlying problem

Imaging Studies

Imaging tests that may be helpful include:

• Chest X-ray (it is important to note that a plain chest X-ray can miss conditions such as lung cancer)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest or abdomen
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) can look for evidence of cancer metastasis.

Unexplained Weight Loss Treatment

Effective Unexplained Weight Loss Treatment depends on diagnosing the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Medical Evaluation: It's important to consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause of unexplained weight loss, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, infections, or cancer.
• Manage Underlying Conditions: Treatment may include medications, insulin, or therapies like chemotherapy, depending on the underlying cause of the weight loss.
• Dietician: A dietitian can recommend a high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet or supplements to help regain lost weight.
• Medications: If the weight loss is due to a lack of appetite, appetite stimulants may be prescribed.

Ways to Prevent Unexplained Weight Loss

• Regular Checkups: Routine health exams can help identify conditions that lead to weight loss.
• Conscious of Wellness: Manage stress, maintain a healthy diet, and adopt an active lifestyle to support overall health.
• Stop Smoking and Alcohol: Reducing smoking and alcohol intake can help prevent unintended weight loss.
• Control Chronic Conditions: Properly managing existing conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease can help prevent further weight loss.

Life Style Changes

• Balanced Diet: Consume nutrient-rich foods, including healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables, to maintain weight.
• Get Moderate Regular Exercise: Strength training and moderate exercise can help rebuild muscle and restore lost weight.
• Track Your Stress: Managing stress through activities like yoga or deep breathing exercises can prevent further weight loss.
• Drink Water: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and maintaining a healthy weight.

Home Remedies for Unexplained Weight Loss

• Drinking Smoothies: Blend fruits, yogurt, and protein powder to create calorie-dense smoothies.
• Herbal Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea can help stimulate appetite and support digestion.
• Add Healthy Fats: Include calorie-dense options like avocados, nuts, and olive oil in your meals.
• Frequent Meals: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to support your appetite.