A temporary or minimal weight loss, without trying for it, is fine and for some people, it can be a welcome surprise. The body weight depends upon genetic factors, your calorie intake, overall health, physical activity, age, nutrient absorption, lifestyle, etc. Once you reach middle adulthood, your weight remains relatively stable from year to year. A decrease of a few pounds should not be a cause for concern. But if you experience an unexplained weight loss of about 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more, or if you suddenly lose 5 percent of your body weight, or if the weight loss persists, there might be some serious underlying cause behind this weight loss. Finding out the cause behind sudden weight loss is important as the treatment can be started earlier. Let us take a look at the unexplained weight loss reasons.
Lose your weight
The reasons of unexplained weight loss include temporary disorders or serious health hazards.
- Excessive smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Diarrhea
- Laxative abuse
- Dementia
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Loss of teeth
- Mouth sores
- AIDS/HIV
- Parkinson's disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tuberculosis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Infections
- Metabolic disorders
- Side effects of medicines
- Eating disorders like bulimia nervosa (binge eating and purging) or anorexia nervosa (fear of eating)
Unexplained Weight Loss in Women
Anorexia nervosa is very common among teenage girls. Unexplained weight loss in women can be attributed to mental health problems like stress and anxiety. Apart from this, sudden weight loss in women can also be caused by depression. Due to depression, women may have very low appetite and may suffer from digestive problems. Hormonal imbalance in women can also lead to unexplained weight loss. Excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, excessive smoking, various cancers, hyperthyroidism are some other common causes of unexplained weight loss in women.
Unexplained Weight Loss in Men
Drug abuse or alcohol abuse, excessive smoking can result in unexplained weight loss in men. It can also occur due to liver cirrhosis or various types of cancers. Dementia, depression, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease are some other common causes of unexplained weight loss in men. Actually, all the causes mentioned above are applicable to all men and women. For instance, HIV/AIDS or mouth ulcers or loss of teeth, etc.
Unexplained Weight Loss in Children
Diarrhea, infections, malnutrition, dehydration, tuberculosis are the common causes of unexplained weight loss in children. Type I diabetes, common in young children, teenagers and adults under the age of 30, occurs when the body can not produce enough insulin to carry glucose formed in the body to the cells. With the help of glucose, your body can function properly, as glucose provides your body the required energy to function. When the body does not receive enough energy, unexplained weight loss is likely to occur, along with some other symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, etc.
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue generally go hand in hand. Age is also an important factor that is associated with rapid and unexplained weight loss. The treatment for unexplained weight loss can vary according to the underlying cause that gave rise to the problem. So, do not delay in consulting your physician who can diagnose the root cause of the problem. He will ask you about other accompanying symptoms and may conduct some physical tests. Till then, of course, a balanced diet, regular exercises and sufficient rest can help you solve the problem.
By Leena Palande
Published: 4/14/2010
