Unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for concern. It might indicate an underlying condition. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount — more than 5 percent of your weight — within 6 to 12 months. In addition, take note of any other symptoms to talk over with your doctor.
Remember, not all weight loss is serious. It can happen after a life-changing or stressful event. However, unintentional weight loss may be a sign of one of these medical conditions.
Hyperthyroidism
If your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, it revs up your metabolism so you burn more calories and lose weight. You also may have more bowel movements and a racing heartbeat, and you may feel anxious. Your doctor can help you manage it with medicine. She may also talk to you about surgery to take out all or part of your thyroid.
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone your body makes to turn blood sugar into energy. If you have diabetes, you either can’t make insulin or can’t use it the way you need to. When your cells run out of fuel, your body thinks it’s starving and starts burning fat and muscle. This makes you lose weight. You may also be thirsty, tired, hungry, or pee more than usual. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. If you have diabetes, she can help figure out a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Celiac Disease
If you have this, your body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. When you eat it, your immune system -- which helps you fight off bacteria and other germs -- attacks your small intestine by mistake. That can make it hard for your body to take in nutrients, and that can lead to weight loss. You also may have headaches, itchy skin, sores in your mouth, and joint pain. Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you have it. If you do, you’ll need to follow a special diet to stop the symptoms.
Medication
Drugs used to treat certain health conditions may ramp up your metabolism so you burn more calories or make you less hungry. These include:
- Stimulants
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Antidepressants
- Drugs for type 2 diabetes
Talk to your doctor if you lose your appetite or start losing weight on a new medication.
Stress
It’s normal to drop a few pounds after something like losing a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved one. You should return to your regular weight once you have time to grieve the loss or get used to the change. You may need help from family and friends, group therapy, or a professional counselor. Talk to your doctor if you keep losing weight.
Lupus
This is when your immune system turns on your body and attacks your tissues and organs. You may lose weight because it can irritate your digestive system and make it hard for your body to take in nutrients from food. You may be very tired, and your joints may hurt or be stiff. Many people also get a butterfly-shaped rash on their faces. Your doctor can help you ease these symptoms with medicine and changes in your diet and lifestyle.
Addison’s Disease
With this condition, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, especially one called cortisol. It can cause stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and, in some cases, diarrhea. These things can make you lose your appetite and eventually lose weight. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and give you medicine to replace the hormones.
Cancer
These harmful cells may use more of your energy, or they might make chemicals that change the way you digest food. Your immune system often has to work harder, too. That tires you out and makes your body burn more calories, which can lead to weight loss.
COPD
This disease damages tiny air sacs in your lungs. It’s often caused by smoking. It makes it hard to breathe and makes you cough up a thick fluid called mucus. Your body needs more calories to get enough oxygen into each breath. You may also get tired easily and lose your appetite. These things all can lead to weight loss.
Heart Failure
If your heart can’t pump blood and oxygen to the rest of your body like it should, your digestive system may not get enough blood to do its job well. This can make you feel full even when you haven’t eaten and may make you sick to your stomach. Eventually, your body might not be able to get rid of fluid like it should, and it can build up in your intestines and keep you from taking in nutrients. Your doctor may recommend that you cut down on salt and give you medicines called diuretics that help you clear out the fluid.
Dementia
This weakens your ability to think along with your basic memory and social skills. In later stages, you may lose a lot of weight because you forget to eat or find it harder to chew or swallow. Chronic infections, special diets, and drugs used to treat dementia can make it worse.
