Weight loss and increased appetite are items that tend not to go hand-in-hand. When weight loss and increased appetite occur at the same time, this may be a sign of a serious medical condition--including thyroid disorders or eating disorders. These conditions can be serious and life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience sudden, unexplained weight loss with an increase in your appetite, make an appointment with your family physician.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are severe conditions that can lead to increased weight loss. While it is highly unlikely to have an increased appetite with anorexia--the use of extreme dieting and exercising to lose weight--those suffering from bulimia are likely to overeat and then overuse laxatives or vomit to eliminate the food from the body. The laxative use and vomiting generally occurs as the result of feeling guilty for over-eating. Excessive vomiting over time can cause tears in the esophagus, constipation, dehydration, dental cavities and pancreatitis. Bulimia is treated with therapy and support groups.
Depression
Depression is classified by feelings of sadness, being unhappy, miserable, blue or down in the dumps. Depression can occur once, for short periods of time or be a long-term problem. Symptoms can include changes in appetite, weight loss, weight gain, trouble sleeping, excessive sleeping, loss of interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can be caused by drug or alcohol abuse, stressful situations and medical conditions. Depression can be treated by a doctor with medication, therapy or changes in your lifestyle.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. As a result, your metabolism is significantly accelerated. This can lead to sudden weight loss, sweating, irritability, nervousness and an irregular heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications. However, if left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause eye problems, heart conditions and weakened bones. Over time, hyperthyroidism can lead to Graves' disease. This condition causes your thyroid to become inflamed as the result of an over-stimulation of thyroxine.
Other Conditions
There are a wide variety of medical conditions that can lead to weight loss and an increased appetite. Conditions include but are not limited to AIDS, cancer, drug abuse, smoking, malnutrition, mouth sores, manipulative behavior, diarrhea, chemotherapy drugs, laxatives and other medications used for treating a variety of medical conditions.
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