One of the most important characteristics of a healthy body includes maintaining a healthy weight, which refers to an appropriate weight in relation to one's height, also known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). If you’re trying to shed kilos and have done so successfully, it is a good sign. However, weight loss without trying or any explanation can be concerning for several reasons.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kamal Verma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explains why and the possible causes that can lead to it.
When Does Weight Loss Become A Concern?
“Significant weight loss is deemed to have occurred when an individual loses over 10% of their total body weight within a six-month period,” says Dr Verma, adding, “Unintentional weight loss should not be taken lightly and necessitates a thorough investigation of the individual's condition.”
According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Best Practice, unintentional weight loss refers to weight loss of at least 5% of the patient’s usual body weight that occurs within the preceding 6 to 12 months, which is not the expected consequence of treatment of a known illness.
"The most pressing concern is the assessment for the presence of cancer or other conditions for which early diagnosis may lead to better outcomes. There is a broad range of causes of unintentional weight loss including medical diseases, psychiatric illnesses, and social factors. These conditions may occur in isolation or in combination," the research paper suggests.
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Possible Causes Of Unexplained Weight Loss
As per Dr Verman, here are some possible causes of unexplained weight loss:
Psychosocial factors:
- Starvation and eating disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorders, a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes
- Chronic pain
- Alcoholism
Respiratory conditions:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that leads to breathing difficulties due to obstructed airflow
- Lung tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs
- Malignancy or the presence of cancerous cells in the lungs
Gastrointestinal issues:
- Malabsorption disorders, conditions where the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food
- Cirrhosis, a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by various factors like chronic alcoholism or viral hepatitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract
Chronic infections:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
- Tuberculosis
Endocrine disorders:
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
Renal and cardiovascular conditions:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised
How To Approach An Unexplained Weight Loss
An unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. Here are a few steps to take to evaluate your health:
- Seek guidance from a medical professional if experiencing unexplained weight loss to identify potential causes.
- Provide details about recent changes in diet, exercise, and health status to aid in diagnosis.
- Undergo physical exams, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies to assess overall health and pinpoint underlying issues.
- Address emotional well-being through mental health assessments, as psychological factors can contribute to weight loss.
In some cases, unexplained weight loss could be a sign of an underlying malignancy. Depending on the clinical presentation and other findings, cancer screening tests may be considered.
Bottomline
Unexplained weight loss is a significant symptom that warrants thorough medical evaluation. It can be indicative of a range of underlying conditions, which is why timely consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to identify and address the root cause of the weight loss. Note that ignoring unintentional weight loss may lead to potential complications.