Weight Loss

Unintentional (or unexplained) weight loss is a noticeable loss of body weight without much effort, such as calorie restriction, exercise, or lifestyle changes.

Unintentional weight loss of 5 kg or 5% of normal body weight in 6 to 12 months or less can indicate the development of a serious disorder or disease: gastroenterological, endocrine, neurological, infectious, oncological.

Unexplained weight loss is most common in the elderly. As a rule, it is in them that a sudden and involuntary decrease in body weight is most often associated with a serious chronic disease and is a "red flag" for the doctor to whom such a patient comes for an appointment.

Weight loss may be accompanied by fever, increased sweating, tachycardia, loss of appetite or, on the contrary, a significant increase in appetite, diarrhea, increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness, deterioration of the skin, hair and nails.

Causes of Unintentional Weight Loss

Potential causes of unintentional weight loss include:

• various infections (including HIV/AIDS);
• diseases of the endocrine system (hyperthyroidism, uncompensated diabetes mellitus, malabsorption occurring against the background of endocrine disorders, Addison's disease);
• gastrointestinal diseases (celiac disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer disease, chronic pancreatitis);
• neurological diseases (previous stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia);
• dental diseases;
• Heart failure;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• tuberculosis;
• amyloidosis;
• Dysphagia;
• hypercalcemia, hypernatremia;
• undiagnosed eating disorders;
• Cancer;
• side effects of certain medications;
• alcohol abuse, substance use;
• stress, increased anxiety;
• depression, bipolar affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

When should I see a doctor for unintentional weight loss?

Consult a doctor if you have lost 5 kg or more in the last 6 months without putting any effort into it; if the weight loss is accompanied by other symptoms that have not been noted before.

The doctor will conduct a detailed interview, ask questions about symptoms, existing diseases, medications taken, changes in diet and appetite, physical activity, general state of physical and mental health; perform a physical examination; If necessary, he will prescribe laboratory and instrumental tests, refer you for a consultation with a specialist of a narrow profile.

In some cases, the cause of unintentional weight loss cannot be immediately determined, in such a situation, the doctor will recommend adhering to a wait-and-see approach, improving nutrition and trying to make up for the lack of body weight with the help of a nutritionist.

Which Doctors Should I See for Unintentional Weight Loss?

To determine the causes of weight loss, diagnose the condition and treatment, it is necessary to consult a therapist (pediatrician), gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist.