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What is unexplained weight loss?
Can you lose weight without trying or unexplained?
How is unexplained weight loss treated?
Aug 17, 2022 · Unexplained weight loss has many causes, medical and nonmedical. Often, a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss. Most often, medical disorders that cause weight loss include other symptoms. Sometimes a specific cause isn't found.
- Definition
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- Definition
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
Unexplained weight loss is a noticeable drop in body weight that occurs even if the person is not trying to lose weight. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of a serious illness, including cancer or diabetes. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause of the weight loss.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and Treatment
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What are the causes of unexplained weight loss?
Unexplained weight loss can be caused by conditions that range from mild to very serious. The causes can be physical or psychological, and include: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland helps regulate your body temperature and control your heart rate and metabolism (the process that turns the food you eat into energy). Cancer Crohn’s disease (an inflammation of the bowels) Heart failure Addison’s disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone Parkinson’s disease AIDS Gastrointestinal problems, such as peptic ulcer or ulcerative colitis Dental problems Depression or anxiety Side effects of prescription medications Celiac disease (allergy to gluten) Diabetes A parasitic infection Drug abuse Undiagnosed eating disorders Swelling of the pancreas Alcohol or drug abuse Dysphagia (swallowing problems) Dementia Advertisement
When should I see a doctor about unexplained weight loss?
You should consult your physician if you have lost more than 5 percent of body weight or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months. This is especially important if you have other symptoms, too.
How is unexplained weight loss diagnosed?
To diagnose your weight loss, your doctor will give you a physical examination and ask you such questions as: How much weight have you lost? When did the weight loss begin? Are you taking any medications? Have your eating patterns changed? Are you exercising more? Have you been sick recently? Are you feeling tired more often? Do you have any dental problems? Do you have any problems with swallowing? Have you been vomiting? Are you experiencing stress? Have you had any fainting episodes? Do you have increased thirst? Are you urinating more than usual? Do you have diarrhea? Are you depressed? How much alcohol do you drink per day? The answers to these questions will help your doctor determine if other tests might be needed, such as blood work and imaging scans (X-rays, etc.). Advertisement
How is unexplained weight loss treated?
Unexplained weight loss is treated by identifying the underlying condition (the condition or illness that is causing the weight loss). If no underlying condition is identified right away, your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see approach, along with a special diet. For instance, your doctor may recommend that you use nutrition shakes to get more calories, or add flavor enhancers to your food to improve the taste so that you eat more. You may be also be referred to a dietitian for advice and counseling. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/31/2018. Learn more about our editorial process.
Jun 30, 2023 · Conditions that cause unexplained weight loss include overactive thyroid, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount...
- What is the most common cause of unexplained weight loss?According to a 2017 study of 2677 patients with unexplained weight loss in a Barcelona hospital, 33% of the subjects were diagnosed with some type...
- Which cancer causes weight loss?In the same 2017 study, the majority of those diagnosed with cancer were found to have pancreatic cancer and lymphoma. After that, kidney, bladder,...
- When should I be worried about unexplained weight loss?It’s common for your body weight to fluctuate. However, something else might be happening if you are losing weight without changing your habits. If...
Apr 15, 2024 · What causes unexplained weight loss? GARO // Getty Images. 1. Overactive thyroid. Weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism ( overactive thyroid) says Anne Cappola, M.D., an...
Mar 5, 2024 · Unexplained weight loss is defined as the unintentional loss of at least 5% of body weight over a period of six to 12 months. This would mean a 10-pound loss in a 200-pound man, or losing between 6 and 7 pounds for a 130-pound woman.
- Questions Your Doctor May Ask1. When did you first notice that you were losing weight? 2. How fast have you been losing weight? 3. Have you made any changes in your diet or exe...
- Importance of Making A DiagnosisUnintentional weight loss is important not only in looking for an underlying cause (3/4 of people who have unexpected weight loss have an underlyin...
Sep 23, 2019 · Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, depression, IBD, or cancer. Learn about the possible causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical attention for this symptom.
Oct 18, 2021 · 15 Reasons For Unexplained Weight Loss. Now, it’s time to get a little more specific about rapid weight loss and the causes behind it. 1. Type I And II Diabetes. Yes, unexpected weight...
