What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?
Unexplained weight loss is when a person loses a significant amount of weight without making deliberate changes to their diet, exercise, or lifestyle. It typically occurs when the body loses more calories than it takes in, leading to a reduction in fat, muscle, or fluid.
While a small fluctuation in weight is common, unexplained weight loss is usually considered significant when it amounts to 5% or more of one’s body weight over six months to a year.
What Diseases Causes Unexplained Weight Loss?
Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of various underlying diseases and health conditions. Some common causes include:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders – Conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic pancreatitis can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss.
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid gland can accelerate the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss.
- Diabetes – Uncontrolled diabetes can cause the body to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss.
- Cancer – Certain types of cancers, such as pancreatic, stomach, lung, or ovarian cancer, can cause unexplained weight loss due to the body’s response to the disease.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seeking medical help for unexplained weight loss is important in the following situations:
- Significant or Rapid Weight Loss – If you have lost a noticeable amount of weight without trying or have experienced rapid weight loss over a short period, it is a cause for concern and warrants medical attention.
- Unintentional Weight Loss – When you haven’t made any intentional changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, but you continue to lose weight, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
- Persistent Symptoms – If the unexplained weight loss is accompanied by other persistent symptoms like fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained pain, it’s crucial to see a doctor.
- Age and Health Factors – Unexplained weight loss can be more concerning in older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions, as it may indicate potential health problems.
- Impact on Daily Life – If the weight loss is affecting your ability to perform daily activities or is causing distress or concern, seeking medical help is recommended.
- Family History – If you have a family history of certain medical conditions, such as cancer or thyroid disorders, and experience unexplained weight loss, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Personal Concern – Trust your instincts. If you are genuinely concerned about your unexplained weight loss or just feel that something is wrong, it’s better to consult a doctor to rule out any potential health issues.
What Are the Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Causes?
When a person seeks medical help for unexplained weight loss, the doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. The diagnostic process may include:
- Medical History – Detailed information about the individual’s medical history, lifestyle, diet, and any recent changes will be collected.
- Physical Examination – The doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for any visible signs of an underlying condition.
- Blood Tests – Blood tests can help detect abnormalities, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or signs of infection.
- Imaging Studies – X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to check for any abnormalities or tumours.
- Endoscopy – A procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the digestive tract to examine for any gastrointestinal issues.
Why It’s Important to Share Detailed Symptoms With the Doctor?
Sharing detailed symptoms with the doctor is crucial because unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of an underlying health problem. By providing comprehensive information about one’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, the doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Early detection of the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss can lead to better health outcomes and improve the chances of successful treatment. So, it’s essential to communicate openly with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and timely medical care.
