The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact, but many doctors agree that a medical evaluation is necessary if you lose more than 5 percent of your weight in six months to a year, especially if you're an older adult. Unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for alarm and may indicate an underlying condition. Involuntary weight loss occurs when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness, so it's important to see a family doctor just in case.
Unexplained weight loss is defined as a noticeable decrease in body weight that occurs even if the person is not trying to lose weight. Weight loss does not occur due to diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes. Weight loss of 10 pounds or more, or five percent of body weight, over a period of 6 to 12 months is considered “unexplained”. Extreme weight loss deprives the body of essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy functioning. In addition, deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, may increase the risk of developing certain health conditions or predispose you to injury. An example of a disease associated with nutritional deficiency is anemia, which is characterized by feelings of weakness and fainting and can occur when iron intake is insufficient.
Weight loss is often a matter of choice: we choose to change our diet and exercise habits to be healthier. However, it is also common to lose weight if you have a serious illness. A doctor should investigate an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. This leaflet lists some of the most common causes of involuntary weight loss. You may experience weight loss if you have a problem with glands that secrete hormones that can affect your appetite.
Again, sometimes it is friends or family who first notice that a person is not well and has lost weight and then turns out to be the early stages of dementia. It is important to see your health care provider if you lose 5% to 10% of your weight without trying, even if you think there is an explanation for your weight loss. Family and friends may be concerned about losing weight and may not know that the person has an alcohol problem. Unexplained weight loss, which is defined as losing 10 pounds or more (or 5% of your body weight) over 6 to 12 months, could be a sign of an underlying condition. The four most common symptoms are being thirsty many times, urinating large amounts, tiredness and weight loss. Unexplained weight loss is defined as the involuntary loss of at least 5% of body weight over a period of six to 12 months. Some people with involuntary weight loss as the first symptom actually have one or more symptoms if asked about it.
Unintentional weight loss is the loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight for 6 to 12 months or less without knowing the reason. Inflammation in damaged heart tissue also speeds up metabolism, leading to involuntary weight loss. If you experience 5 percent weight loss in 6 to 12 months, or if you notice any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor. Unexplained weight loss may be due to physical, psychological, or environmental changes that range from mild to severe.
If you're not sure which of the many diet plans is most effective for you, it can be difficult to start your weight loss journey. In cases of prolonged weight loss, where you lose more than 10% of your body weight over a period of 6 months, there is often a more serious underlying medical problem that requires attention. Your body weight may fluctuate, but when you lose more than 5% of your weight in a period of 6 to 12 months, that is usually a cause for concern. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is best known for causing pain and joint damage, but it can also cause muscle atrophy and weight loss, known as rheumatoid cachexia.
