Unexplained Weight Loss

What is unexplained weight loss?

Your weight sometimes changes, depending on how much you eat and exercise. However, drastic weight loss, losing more than 5 to 10 pounds when you're not trying to, requires medical attention because it may be a sign of illness.

How does it occur?

If you are not trying to lose weight, the loss may be a symptom of disease.

Unexplained weight loss can be caused by:

• decreased appetite
• decreased absorption of food, which means that food cannot be digested properly
• excess demand by the body for energy (calories).

Decreased appetite can be caused by conditions such as the following:

• poorly fitting dentures or pain in the teeth or mouth
• psychological problems that upset eating habits (anorexia nervosa and bulimia)
• depression or anxiety
• drugs, such as digitalis and chemotherapy
• drug abuse, for example, abuse of amphetamines
• a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
• a low level of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
• alcohol abuse
• viral hepatitis (an infection of the liver)
• heart failure
• cancer.

Decreased absorption can be caused by:

• gallbladder problems
• not enough digestion enzymes
• stomach surgery (gastrectomy)
• problems with the small intestine
• parasite infections, such as Giardia, which you can get by drinking water from contaminated streams or from working in a day care center
• some drugs, such as cholestyramine (for cholesterol problems) and cathartics (for constipation), which may cause the bowel to empty too fast.

Loss of nutrients can be caused by:

• diabetes when blood sugar is not in good control
• long-lasting diarrhea
• frequent or long-lasting vomiting
• kidney disease.

Excess demand for energy can be caused by:

• an overactive thyroid gland and too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up the body's metabolism (a problem called hyperthyroidism)
• fever
• emotional states, such as manic disease, that cause increased physical activity
• hyperactivity
• amphetamine or other drug abuse
• cancer.

How is it diagnosed?

To look for the underlying cause of weight loss, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and examine you. In addition, your provider may order lab tests, such as blood tests, for example, for hyperthyroidism.

How is it treated?

First your healthcare provider will work to identify and correct the underlying problem. Then your provider will also help you with your symptoms. Here are some examples of treatment:

• For severe anorexia, your healthcare provider may prescribe counseling and medicine.
• For decreased appetite, your provider may suggest eating small, frequent meals. Eating more of your favorite foods may help. Eating more protein may also be important.
• For decreased appetite due to nausea, your provider may suggest eating small, frequent meals, especially at the times when nausea is milder. You may need anti-nausea medicine.
• For decreased appetite associated with depression, your provider may suggest counseling and antidepressant medicine.
• For decreased absorption caused by problems with your pancreas, your provider may prescribe pancreatic enzyme preparations.
• For infections, your provider may prescribe medicine, such as antibiotics.
• For loss of nutrients, your provider may prescribe fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K. Your provider may give you medicine to help severe diarrhea and vomiting.

How can I take care of myself?

To help take care of yourself, follow your healthcare provider's instructions. If you suspect you are losing weight, weigh yourself every week. If you have lost more than 5 to 10 pounds in a month without trying, you should consult your healthcare provider.