While many struggle with trying to lose weight, unintentional weight loss can be as big of a problem. According to the Lifelong Aids Alliance organization, losing more than 10 percent of your body weight within a year should be cause for concern. In most cases, changes in your lifestyle can help you deal with the weight loss, but a visit to the doctor might be needed if the weight loss continues.
Step 1
Keep a food diary. This will allow you to see how much you're eating and what types of foods you're eating. If you're eating too little or skipping meals, work on getting into a better schedule. You might also need to increase your portion size or eat foods high in protein and eat healthy fats, including olive oil and nuts.
Step 2
Look for mood or mental health changes. MayoClinic.com includes stress, depression and anxiety as possible causes of unexplained weight loss. If you're under extreme stress, make sure it is not affecting your eating habits. If it is, find ways to lower your anxiety levels, such as practicing yoga, learning meditation or attending therapy.
Step 3
Start a weight-training program. Exercising will help you deal with stress and it will improve immune system function and your health overall. It will also increase your weight over time. If you've never exercised before, consider hiring a personal trainer who can help you design a weight-gain program.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor to figure out the cause of your weight loss. While unintentional weight loss might be caused by a change in diet or exercise habits, it can also be a sign of an illness or a side effect of a medication you're taking. According to MayoClinic.com, causes of unexplained weight loss can include gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, cancer, kidney disease and cardiovascular and lung problems.
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