Unintentional Weight Loss: Common Causes and When to Be Seen

What it involves

MedlinePlus defines unexplained weight loss as a decrease in body weight when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. It describes unintentional weight loss as losing 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less without knowing the reason. Many people gain and lose weight, so the amount and the time frame are what matter.

Who this is for

• Adults whose clothes are looser and whose weight is down without any change in effort
• Patients who have lost more than 10 pounds, or 5% of their weight, in under a year without knowing why
• Patients with a weight drop along with other new symptoms
• Family members worried about a parent or relative who is eating less

What to expect

• A physical exam and a weight check, compared with your past weights in your chart
• Questions about how much you have lost, how fast, and what has changed in your eating, stress, or health
• A plain explanation of the likely causes and what, if anything, to check next
• A plan that may include diet and exercise changes, follow-up weight checks, or a referral

How much counts

MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if you or a family member loses more weight than is considered healthy for age and height, or if you have lost more than 10 pounds or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less and do not know the reason. It also says to call if other symptoms come with the weight loss. The unexplained weight gain evaluation covers the opposite problem.

When appetite drops

MedlinePlus says a loss of appetite may be due to:

• Feeling depressed, stress, or anxiety
• Cancer, even when other symptoms are not present
• A chronic infection such as AIDS or tuberculosis
• A chronic illness such as COPD or Parkinson disease
• Drug use, or medicines such as chemotherapy and thyroid medicines

When the body takes in less

MedlinePlus lists chronic digestive problems that reduce the calories and nutrients the body absorbs: celiac disease, diarrhea and other infections that last a long time such as parasites, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, removal of part of the small intestine, and overuse of laxatives. The diarrhea evaluation explains how long-lasting diarrhea is sorted out, and the colorectal cancer screening guide covers a different part of bowel health.

Other causes on the list

MedlinePlus also names eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa that have not yet been diagnosed, diabetes that has not been diagnosed, and an overactive thyroid gland. The diabetes management page explains how blood sugar is followed once diabetes is found, and the thyroid care page explains how thyroid problems are checked. Weight loss with increased thirst or urinating more than usual is among the questions a provider asks.

Signs you should be seen

MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if:

• You or a family member loses more weight than is considered healthy for age and height
• You have lost more than 10 pounds or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less and do not know the reason
• You have other symptoms in addition to the weight loss

What a visit involves

MedlinePlus says the provider does a physical exam, checks your weight, and asks how much you have lost, when it began, whether it happened quickly or slowly, whether you are eating less or eating different foods, and whether you are exercising more. The provider also asks about illness, dental problems or mouth sores, stress or anxiety, vomiting, fainting, constipation or diarrhea, increased thirst, urinating more, hair loss, medicines, and mood. Those answers decide what, if anything, is checked next. The hair loss guide explains why hair comes up.

Treatment and support

MedlinePlus says your provider may suggest changes in diet and an exercise program, depending on the cause of the weight loss. You may also need to see a dietitian for nutrition advice. Treatment depends on the cause that is found.

Sources

• MedlinePlus — Weight loss, unintentional