Unintentional Weight Loss | How to Loss Your Weight | Losing weight without trying

Unintentional weight loss

It is a decrease in body weight, when you are not looking to lose weight.

Many people gain or gain weight. Unintentional weight loss is the loss of 10 pounds (5 kg) or 5% of their normal body weight for 6 to 12 months or less without knowing the reason.

Causes: A loss of appetite can be caused by:

• Feeling depressed
• Cancer, even when no other symptoms
• Chronic infections such as AIDS
• COPD or chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease
• Drugs, including those used in chemotherapy, or Antithyroid drugs
• Use of illicit drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine
• Stress or anxiety

Chronic digestive system problems that decrease the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs, including:

• Diarrhea and other infections that last long, as parasites
• Chronic inflammation or infection of the pancreas
• Removing any part of the small intestine
• Overuse of laxatives

Other causes such as:

• Nervosa eating disorders, anorexia has not been diagnosed
• Diabetes has not been diagnosed
• Overactive thyroid gland

Home Care:

Your health care provider may suggest changes in your diet and an exercise program depending on the cause of weight loss.

Call your provider

Call your health care provider:


You or a family member lose more weight than is considered normal for their age and height.

• It has lost more than 10 pounds (5 kilos) or 5% of normal body weight in 6 to 12 months or less and there is no explanation.

• There have been other symptoms with weight loss.

What to expect at the doctor's office

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and check your weight. They can ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• How much weight have you lost?
• When did you start weight loss?
• Have you had weight loss suddenly or slowly?
• Are you eating less?
• Are you eating different foods?
• Are you exercising more?
• Have you been sick?
• Do you have dental problems or mouth sores?
• Do you have more stress or anxiety than usual?
• Have you vomited? Did you make yourself vomit?
• Do you have more energy lately?
• Does it present fainting ?
• Do you have occasional hunger uncontrollable with palpitations , tremors and sweating ?
• Have you had constipation or diarrhea?
• Does it present increased thirst or are drinking more?
• Are you urinating more than usual?
• Have you lost some hair?
• What medications are you taking?
• Do you suffer from severe depression?
• Are you pleased or concerned with weight loss?

You may need to see a dietitian for nutritional counseling.