Weight loss and lack of appetite are symptoms that may occur as a result of lifestyle decisions, or as a result of pathological processes, the most serious of which is cancer. Determining the cause of these symptoms can be difficult, as they may be related to one another, or may occur simultaneously but be unrelated. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms and you are unable to explain their cause, you should speak with your doctor.
Definition of Terms
When discussing weight loss, it's important to distinguish weight lost intentionally from weight lost unintentionally. Intentional weight loss is lost as a result of dietary changes and exercise. This kind of weight loss is not terribly concerning because it has a benign explanation. In contrast, unintentional weight loss is concerning because it suggests that there may be a pathological process leading to the lost weight. Unintentional weight loss is usually given serious attention when it involves loss of at least 5 percent of total body weight over a period of at least six months to a year. As well, when discussing weight loss in the context of lack of appetite, it's important to clarify the association between the two symptoms. Lack of appetite may precede, and lead to, weight loss. Alternatively, the two may occur relatively independently, but at the same time.
Lack of Appetite Leading to Unintentional Weight Loss
The primary symptom here is lack of appetite, with weight loss resulting from lack of food intake. The primary question to answer is, "Why has this person's appetite decreased?" Possible causes of decreased appetite include anorexia nervosa, which is most common in teenage girls who are experiencing significant stress, and viral illness, which typically produces a transient anorexia that goes away once the illness has resolved.
Lack of Appetite and Unintentional Weight Loss Occurring Simultaneously
Cancer is a classic example of a disease process that leads to lack of appetite and an unintentional weight loss that may occur simultaneously. Unintentional weight loss in this case can result from a lack of appetite, but it can also result from a condition known as cancer cachexia, which may or may not be associated with lack of appetite. Cachexia is a state of metabolic hyperactivity in which muscle and fatty tissues are rapidly degraded, and it is a hallmark of cancers that respond poorly to medical therapy.
Other Causes of Weight Loss and a Lack of Appetite
The list of conditions causing weight loss and a lack of appetite is very long. It includes, among others, chronic disease of any sort--such as heart, lung and kidney disease--as well as depression, anxiety and dementia. Certain drugs, including opiates and amphetamines, can also cause lack of appetite and weight loss. These drugs may be prescribed by a doctor, or they may be taken illegally; in either case, lack of appetite can result.
What to Do
If you cannot explain your weight loss and lack of appetite, see your doctor. There are several serious medical conditions that can cause these symptoms, so you shouldn't ignore them or assume they will go away on their own. Based on a discussion with you and results from appropriate lab and imaging tests, your doctor should be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment. Be prepared to talk to your doctor about the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, how much weight you've lost and whether or not you're having any additional symptoms that are out of the ordinary, like abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, fevers or chills, and so on. Tests that may be performed include a blood count, a colonoscopy and heart or lung function evaluation.
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