Unintentional Weight Loss? 10 Hidden Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss You Shouldn’t Ignore
Unintentional Weight Loss? 10 Hidden Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss You Shouldn’t Ignore
Blog Article
- Source: sakraworldhospital.com
A healthy lifestyle means the right balance of everything. This means that your body must be in good shape and supplied with the right nutrients. However, there are times that might result in drastic changes in the body. That challenging scenario is the unexplained weight loss. It is a noticeable drop in your body weight, even without any dietary changes. Losing weight might be the ultimate goal, but losing unintentionally can be a cause of health concerns.
If you have recorded similar changes in your body, then you must consider going for a check-up. This article will provide insights into what causes of unexplained weight loss and its symptoms and help you make informed decisions for healthy well-being.
What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?
You don’t have a rigorous workout schedule and are not on a calorie-limit diet. You have not made any changes in your eating habits, yet you feel weak and less active. If you lose 10 pounds or, more precisely, 5% of your body weight over six to twelve months without any intentional dietary changes, then you must consider going for a check-up. These are the symptoms of unexplained weight loss.
This can be a symptom of many underlying illnesses ranging from infections to more alarming conditions like cancer or thyroid problems. So, you must understand what causes of unexplained weight loss to identify the condition and seek the right medical treatment.
Now, let us move on to the next sections and find out the major causes.
What Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss?
Several health conditions can lead to this threatening condition. Some may reduce your appetite, while some may just restrict the absorption of calories.
Here are the possible health conditions:
1. Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that is crucial in regulating metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This results in an increase in the body’s metabolism, causing drastic weight loss.
Related Symptoms:
→ Anxiety
→ Fatigue
→ Hand Tremors
→ Goiter
→ Increased Heart Rate
2. Cancer
Cancer is one of the threatening conditions that causes of unexplained weight loss. It is prone to causing increased inflammation, metabolism rate, and changes in food intake. The growth can significantly escalate your resting energy expenditure (REE). Cancer-related weight loss is common in cancers of the gastrointestinal system, including pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
Related Symptoms:
→ Blood in stools or urine
→ Swelling or lumps
→ Skin changes
→ A blocked bowel
→ Difficulty swallowing
3. HIV/AIDS
HIV is yet another concerning condition that causes of unexplained weight loss. HIV weight loss, often termed HIV wasting syndrome, happens when you lose more than ten percent of your body weight, commonly with diarrhea, weakness, and fever that lasts for a longer duration. This condition is more common in the advanced stages of HIV.
Related Symptoms:
→ Muscle wasting
→ Swollen lymph nodes
→ Night Sweats
→ Hormonal changes
→ Chronic fatigue
4. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a major condition associated with drastic weight loss. It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract. The bittersweet part is that it is a lifelong condition that can’t be cured. However, through medication, you can manage the severity.
Related Symptoms:
→ Abdominal pain
→ Rectal bleeding
→ Malabsorption
→ Diarrhea
→ Loss of appetite due to pain
5. Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, are both conditions that cause unexplained weight loss, particularly when blood sugar levels rise rapidly. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin to convert glucose into energy, it begins to break down fat and muscle tissue for fuel, leading to weight loss. If your body is unable to absorb glucose properly, you might lose weight rapidly without any changes in diet.
Related Symptoms:
→ Increased thirst
→ Frequent urination
→ Blurred vision
→ Numbness
→ Slow healing
6. Dementia
This condition is associated with certain diseases that affect your memory, thinking, and mood. Your lifestyle and daily activities are affected due to low mental functions. This often leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia causes of unexplained weight loss.
Related Symptoms:
→ Dental problems
→ Dysphagia
→ Forgetting to eat and loss of appetite
→ Changes in taste and smell, which results in a lack of interest in eating.
7. Heart Failure
In severe cases, heart failure can also lead to unexplained weight loss. When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, the body starts to break down muscle tissue for energy, which can result in weight loss. This usually happens in the later stages.
Related Symptoms:
→ Shortness of breath
→ Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
→ Chronic fatigue
→ Difficulty concentrating
8. Addison’s Disease
This condition is also known as adrenaline insufficiency. Though rare, Addison’s disease causes of unexplained weight loss because your metabolism will be affected by low levels of cortisol. Low levels of cortisol lead to a reduced appetite.
Related Symptoms:
→ Chronic diarrhea
→ Nausea and vomiting
→ Low blood pressure
→ Dehydration
→ Muscle pain and muscle spasms
9. Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, can lead to unexplained weight loss. Depression, in particular, can cause a loss of appetite and a lack of interest in eating, leading to significant weight loss over time.
Related Symptoms:
→ Persistent sadness or hopelessness
→ Extreme mood swings
→ Anxiety or panic attacks
→ Fatigue or lack of energy
→ Lack of interest in things
10. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can lead to unintentional weight
loss. As the disease progresses, it can affect a person’s ability to eat and swallow, leading to decreased food intake and weight loss.
Related Symptoms:
→ Drooling
→ Trouble Swallowing
→ Tremors
→ Stiffness
→ Unstable posture
Summing Up
Losing weight might seem like a positive sign, but don’t ignore the reasons that caused the drastic change. Unexplained weight loss is a sign of an underlying health condition. Whether it’s a hidden health disease or a lifestyle change, addressing the issues that cause unexplained weight loss early can prevent complications. Even a condition like dementia causes of unexplained weight loss. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to find the root cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the condition and improving your overall health.