Many people set out to lose weight to be healthier and feel better about themselves, but for some, weight loss might be unintentional. Significant weight loss in a short period of time can lead to significant health problems, such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and other disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health. Getting to the root of unintentional weight loss might require a doctor's help.
Diet and Exercise
For people who set out to lose weight, diet and exercise is often the reason for weight loss. Doctors recommend losing no more than one to two pounds per week for healthy weight loss. The point of intentional weight loss is to consume fewer calories than your body burns on a consistent basis. Creating a calorie deficiency of approximately 500 calories per day will help a person lose one pound per week on average because it takes 3,500 calories burned to equal one pound of weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Loss of Appetite
Gradual loss of appetite can cause weight loss over a significant period of time, and sometimes the person affected might not realize his appetite has changed. Diseases such as HIV, liver or kidney disease or hypothyroidism can all cause a loss of appetite, causing the sufferer to lose weight unexpectedly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some medications also might cause a loss of appetite because of side effects such as nausea, vomiting or stomach pain. Consult with your doctor if you have an unexplained loss of appetite. If it's caused by a disease or medication, it should return after proper treatment.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are the two most common types of eating disorders, both of which can cause significant weight loss. People with anorexia intentionally eat less food and exercise excessively from a fear of weight gain or a distorted body image. Anorexia sufferers are particularly susceptible to conditions of malnutrition because they do not eat enough food for their bodies to get the nutrients needed to perform basic bodily functions. Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by intentional purging through vomiting or the use of diuretics. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common conditions caused by bulimia, as well as damage to the esophagus and teeth caused by the stomach acid regurgitated during the purging phase.
Member Comments