A little unexpected weight loss would be a pleasant surprise for some. However, if you have a healthy appetite, eat normal food portions and are still shedding pounds, you may be suffering from an underlying medical condition. According to MedlinePlus.com, losing 5 percent or more of your body weight while eating regular meals is cause for concern. Your doctor can run tests that will tell you the exact cause of your weight loss problem.
Causes
Many medical disorders can cause you to lose weight despite having a healthy appetite. Common disorders include cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases and thyroid dysfunction. According to MayoClinic.com, gastrointestinal disorders can cause weight loss by preventing your body from properly breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. Contracting a viral, bacterial or fungal infection can also make you lose some weight. Unwanted weight loss can also occur as a side effect of medications or as a result of emotional factors like stress or depression.
Effects
Losing too much weight means more than having to alter your clothes. Shedding too many pounds can lead to a loss of muscle strength. This can make you feel weak and without energy. You may also become more susceptible to infections and have a more difficult time fighting them off. According to MedlinePlus.com, you may also experience more dangerous complications like muscle wasting, malnutrition or edema.
Treatments
The key to controlling unintentional weight loss is to identify the exact cause of the problem. If you suspect that an underlying medical condition is at work, your doctor will need to diagnose and appropriately treat the problem using appropriate medical procedures. If medications are causing your unwanted weight loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe an equally effective alternative. Individual or group counseling can help you to cope with any emotional stresses that may be making you lose weight.
Diet
Once your doctor has successfully addressed the underlying cause of your weight loss, he or she may suggest adopting a diet designed to help you put on a few pounds and replenish lost nutrients. Eat extra helpings of healthy, high-calorie foods that contain unsaturated fats. This includes foods like nuts, avocados, peanuts and beans. Adding a little olive oil to your diet will also give you some extra calories.
Prevention
Living a healthy lifestyle is essential to preventing unintentional weight loss. Regular exercise will help you to maintain good muscle strength. Eat a well-balanced diet every day to ensure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. Also, avoid skipping meals and try to keep stress to a minimum.
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