UNINTENDED WEIGHT LOSS
Unexplained weight loss is the apparent reduction in the body weight of a person, without any effort to lose weight. That is, weight loss is not a result of diet, exercise or other lifestyle changes.
Unintentional weight loss of five percent of total body weight within a period of 6 months to one year may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.
What are the causes?
Unintended weight loss may due a multiple factors ranging from mild to serious. The cause is not always physical, in quite a few cases, it is psychological. Common causes of unexplained weight loss are:
- Cancer
- Heart Failure
- Crohn’s disease
- Bowel Obstruction
- Medications
- Dental issues
- Thyroid
- AIDS
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Depression
- Coeliac Disease
- Acid Peptic Disease
- Diabetes
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Smoking
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Eating Disorders - Anorexia or Bulimia
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor may study your medical history and assess your risk for certain medical problems. The doctor may also need to understand:
- How much weight the patient has lost
- Since how long has the patient been losing weight
- If he or she is on any medications
- If there is a change in diet or eating problems
- If he or she experiences diarrhoea often
- If he or she experiences vomiting often
- If he or she has any dental problems
- If he or she consumes alcohol
- If he or she is experiencing stress or depression
Right diagnosis of intentional weight loss is critical as it is linked to risk of higher mobility & mortality.
How is it treated?
Generally, treatment for unintended weight loss depends on the underlying cause. The doctor may also recommend a consultation with a nutritionist for a special diet plan to improve the body weight.
