Unexplained Weight Loss
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:05PM
What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?
Weight loss will occur when you decrease your caloric intake, increase your ability to burn calories, or both. As the nation struggles with an obesity epidemic, most people find themselves eager to lose weight using whatever method possible. For some, weight loss is not a good thing. Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary and it could be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Sudden unexplained weight loss needs to be investigated to determine the underlying cause, especially if it’s combined with any additional symptoms such as nausea, irritability, fatigue, respiratory distress, or headaches. Unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of depression, so you may need to look at how you are feeling emotionally.
Common Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss
There are a number of possible causes of unintentional weight loss. These include problems with the endocrine system, a gastrointestinal disorder, psychiatric conditions, neurological dysfunction and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Nutritional deficiencies, infections and tumors can also cause unexplained weight loss.
Other conditions that may cause you to lose weight unintentionally include:
- Dental issues that make eating painful such as newly applied orthodontic appliances, mouth sores, or loss of teeth.
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Malnutrition
- Medications such as amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxative abuse, and thyroid medications
- Drug abuse
- Smoking
- Undiagnosed eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- AIDS
- Acute infections
- Tuberculosis
- Parasitic infections
- Chronic diarrhea
- Hyperthyroidism
Care for Unintentional Weight Loss
The best way to treat unintentional weight loss is to make sure you are eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet and incorporating only a moderate amount of exercise into your daily activities. If you think, your unintentional weight loss may be caused by oral or dental problems see a dentist. If you continue to lose weight and are unsure about the cause, see your health care provider to be checked for an underlying medical condition.
Your health care provider will likely ask you a number of questions regarding your condition such as:
- When did first notice that you were losing weight?
- How much weight have you lost?
- Was your unintentional weight loss sudden or gradual?
- Has your appetite decreased?
- Have you recently changed your diet or introduced a new food into your diet?
- How physically active are you? Has this level changed recently?
- What other symptoms are you experiencing?
- Have you recently been ill?
- Do you have any dental problems or mouth sores?
- Do you feel nauseous?
- Has your stress level increased?
- Have there been any changes in your overall energy level?
- Do you feel any occasions of uncontrollable hunger?
- Has there been any change in your vision?
- Do you feel constipated?
- Do you have diarrhea?
- Are you particularly sensitive to cold or heat?
- Has your level of urination changed?
- Have you experienced any hair loss?
- What medications are you currently taking?
These questions will help your health care provider determine if there is a medical condition or cause involved. If necessary, you may be referred to a dietitian for nutritional counseling.
It may also be a good idea for you to keep a food journal for a few days to give you a better idea of what you are eating each day. Look at any patterns (such as skipped breakfasts) that may be causing you to lose weight. Focus on eating a healthy diet with organic wholesome foods such as fruit, granolas, nuts, pasta, rice, bread, smoked salmon sandwiches, and cheese to help you regain some weight.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.
For all of your weight loss and obesity needs, natural remedies, “Ten Super Secrets to Weight Loss eBook,” tips, products, support forums and more please visit us at www.weightlossobesity.com or www.slimirex.com.
