In today's fast-paced world, experiencing occasional fatigue is not uncommon. A long day of endless multitasking can easily sap your energy supply. Slight weight fluctuations are also fairly common. Losing a pound or two here and there is usually no cause for alarm. However, persistent fatigue that interferes with your daily life and substantial weight loss that is unintentional could be signs of a more severe underlying problem.
Causes
If you are losing weight unintentionally and consistently feel fatigued for no apparent reason, you may be suffering from a health disorder. According to MedlinePlus.com, abnormal fatigue and weight loss can be the result of diseases such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, adrenal disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, lupus, depression, anemia or a dysfunctional thyroid. According to MayoClinic.com, you can also experience fatigue and weight loss as a side effect of certain medications. These include sleeping pills, allergy medicines, antidepressants and blood pressure medicines.
Effects
Unchecked fatigue and weight loss can have a significant impact on your health and your quality of life. Persistent fatigue can make it difficult for you to function at home and at work, which can lead to additional stress and frustration. Prolonged weight loss can cause you to develop dangerous nutritional deficiencies, which will only exacerbate your fatigue. If you are experiencing excessive fatigue and unintentional weight loss, be sure to see your doctor right away to avoid further complications.
Treatments
If your fatigue and weight loss are the result of a specific medical condition, your doctor will first want to treat the underlying problem. When fatigue and weight loss that occur as side effects of the medicines you take, your doctor may choose to substitute a different medication or adjust your dosage. Depending on the severity of your weight loss problem, your doctor may decide to put you on a customized weight-gaining diet or give you a prescription medication to help boost your appetite.
Considerations
According to MedlinePlus.com, you should avoid using stimulants such as caffeine to relieve your fatigue. This is because stimulants often cause insomnia, which will only add to your fatigue. When dealing with unwanted weight loss, avoid stuffing yourself with loads of unhealthy junk foods that are high in fat or sugar. If you want to gain weight by eating more, be sure to choose nutritious, protein-packed foods that will help you to do so in a healthy way.
Home Remedies
In addition to your doctor's prescribed treatments, there are several things you can do at home to help address your fatigue and weight loss issues. When combating fatigue, it is important to get plenty of sleep every night. Adding exercise to your weekly routine may also help to give you a bit more pep. When battling unintentional weight loss, be sure to eat hearty meals regularly throughout the day. Taking vitamins can be an effective way to help to fight both your fatigue and weight loss problems. However, check with your doctor first to discus which methods are best for you.
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