Losing too much weight can be as unhealthy as being overweight. Sudden or unintentional weight loss is often a symptom of a serious medical or psychiatric illness. Talk to your doctor if you have lost weight without trying, as excessive weight loss can be a warning sign that something is wrong with your body. You may need medical care. MayoClinic.com recommends seeing a health care provider if you've unintentionally lost 10 percent of your body weight in the last six months.
Hyperthyroidism
Sudden weight loss can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, even when your appetite remains the same. In some cases, a person actually has an increased appetite yet continues to lose weight. You should see your doctor if you experience any unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include muscle weakness, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremor, difficulty sleeping and more frequent bowel movements. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. The condition can accelerate your body's metabolism causing sudden weight loss.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is an adrenal gland disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Addison's disease affects one to four of every 100,000 people. The disease affects all age groups. Cortisol helps the body regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The body needs aldosterone so that the kidneys can regulate water and salt balance. Common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness and chronic fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be other symptoms.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa are not really about weight or food, yet the focus is on dieting and weight loss. The major difference between bulimia and anorexia is that a person who is bulimic eats large quantities of food and then vomits. This is referred to as binging and purging. Individuals with anorexia nervosa do not eat, exercise excessively and may regularly use diet pills, laxatives and diuretics to lose weight. Individuals with anorexia are usually 15 percent below their normal weight. Symptoms of anorexia include rapid weight loss, obsession with dieting, distorted body image and poor self esteem. Eating disorders can lead to medical complications such as osteoporosis, weak muscles, anemia, memory problems, disruption of the menstrual cycle, low blood pressure and kidney or heart failure.
Cancer
Unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of cancer. If you have decreased appetite and have lost 10 to 15 pounds within a few months without trying, you should see your doctor. Weight loss is a common symptom of most cancers at some stage---usually in the later stages. However, sudden, unexplained weight loss can be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and colorectal cancer. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. If detected early enough, the cancer is usually treatable. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in your stool, cramping pain in your lower abdomen, diarrhea or constipation that lasts for several weeks, general weakness and bleeding from the rectum.
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