United States: Sometimes, losing weight without trying may be a warning sign that something’s wrong with your health.
Dietitian Christine Goukasian says it’s unusual to lose weight suddenly without changing how much you eat or exercise. If this happens, it could be a “red flag” for an underlying health problem.
While your weight may go up and down a little each day, losing a lot of weight without explanation could be a sign of serious issues like cancer, stomach problems, or even mental health conditions. If this happens, it’s important to talk to a doctor.
‘Weight loss becomes an issue when it is 10 pounds or at least five percent of initial weight in any 6 to 12 months,’ said Goukasian, Senior Dietitian, UCLA Division of Clinical Nutrition.
And older adults especially community dwelling older adults, are at a higher risk. That many as 2 in 10 people lose weight unintentionally – this figure increases to 6 in 10 when the individuals are living in a community housing where people are often likely to develop some illnesses that cause unintentional weight loss.
As reported by the HealthDay, cancer which remains unidentified can be recognized in those who visit a doctor to discuss weight loss without exercise and dieting.
Call it the unannounced weight loss and UCLA deems it the No. 1 out-patient symptom while about 4/10 cancers present themselves this way. And losing weight is not a characteristic feature of the cancer in its later stages, as people believe. Some patients have claimed to have lost weight in conditions such early-stage colon, pancreatic and lung cancer so any time one experiences change in weight, he/she should consult a doctor.
At least 10%-20% of unexplained weight loss is attributed to GI disorders such as chronic diarrhoea, IBD, celiac disease or use of laxatives due to eating disorders.
Other psychological disorders that can interfere with appetite include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and stress.
“If you don’t have much interest in eating or sleeping so much that you are skipping meals you are going to lose weight,” Goukasian said and noted that some psych medications used in the treatment of mental health issues may lead to loss of appetite, changes in taste an smell and nausea.
These are not the only offenders, she added. These aren’t the only ones, however, she said.] Others are dementia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, gum disease and all form of swallowing disorders or any condition that makes it uncomfortable to eat will cause one to lose his or her teeth.
Lack of funds or difficulty in procurement of foods that are consumed may also cause the problem.