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.
