She Strengthens

Unexplained Weight Loss: What’s Behind the Numbers?

If you’ve been shedding pounds without trying, it’s natural to wonder what’s going on. After all, intentional weight loss is tough enough, but unexplained weight loss can be downright alarming. The truth is, there are many potential causes, and some of them are quite serious.

The Stats Don’t Lie

A 2018 study revealed that a staggering 60% of unexplained weight loss cases are attributed to physical causes, with cancer being the most common culprit. That’s not a symptom to ignore! In fact, scientists agree that a weight loss of 5% or more of your body weight in 6-12 months is a red flag worthy of attention.

Men vs. Women: Who’s More at Risk?

Interestingly, some causes of unintentional weight loss affect men and women differently. Men are more likely to develop conditions like endocarditis, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer, while women are more prone to hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression.

Depression: A Common Culprit

Appetite loss is a common symptom of depression, which can lead to weight loss. In fact, a 2018 study showed that depressed patients with reduced appetite also had higher cortisol levels. If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider.

Hyperthyroidism: When Your Thyroid Goes into Overdrive

An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism, leading to weight loss. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and mood changes. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Diabetes: A Chronic Condition with Weight Loss as a Symptom

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight loss, increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, and blurry vision. The primary treatment for diabetes is insulin or medication, and in some cases, diet and exercise changes can also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: When Your Gut Health Affects Your Weight

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. Research suggests that about half of people with IBD experience significant weight loss before diagnosis. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Medications: The Unintended Consequences

Many medications have loss of appetite or weight loss as a side effect. If you’re taking multiple medications, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider about potential interactions that could be affecting your weight.

Celiac Disease: When Gluten Becomes the Enemy

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, which can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Removing gluten from your diet is often enough to alleviate symptoms.

Drugs and Drinks: How They Can Affect Your Nutrition

Alcohol and drug consumption can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss. Certain drugs, like methamphetamine and cocaine, are appetite suppressants and can cause metabolic and gastrointestinal problems.

Muscle Loss: When Your Body Starts to Break Down

Muscle loss, or cachexia, is a symptom of various conditions, including myopathies, muscular dystrophy, cancer, diabetes, sepsis, and heart failure. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: When Joint Pain Leads to Weight Loss

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can cause chronic joint pain and weight loss. Research suggests that people with RA who experience significant weight loss are at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes.

Tuberculosis: An Old Disease with New Consequences

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can cause loss of appetite and unintended weight loss. Other symptoms include coughing, chest pain, fatigue, fever, and night sweats.

Addison’s Disease: When Your Adrenal Glands Fail

Addison’s disease is a rare endocrine condition that commonly causes weight loss. Symptoms may seem gastrointestinal, but it’s essential to rule out underlying adrenal causes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: When Breathing Becomes a Struggle

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease often caused by smoking. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. As the disease advances, patients become more undernourished and require a high-calorie diet.

Infective Endocarditis: A Heart Infection with Devastating Consequences

Infective endocarditis is a heart infection that affects 12.7 per 100,000 people in the United States every year. Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

Cancer: The Silent Killer

A 2018 study found that weight loss can be a predictor of 10 types of cancer. Many forms of cancer lead to weight loss, and cancer treatment is also known for its negative impact on appetite and body weight.

Keeping an Eye on Older Adults

In 2015, an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide were living with dementia. Thirty to 40% of people with dementia experience clinically significant weight loss, partly because they eat less. Weight loss can happen before dementia is diagnosed and can be a signal that a person is in cognitive decline.

The Bottom Line

Unexplained weight loss is a signal from your body that something’s wrong. It’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider, who can evaluate other symptoms, conduct blood tests, perform a physical exam, and use imaging techniques to uncover the issue and find the right treatment for you. Don’t ignore the warning signs – take control of your health today!