Most people have to use diet, exercise or a combination of both to lose weight. But for some people, weight may come off without any of those factors. Unintentional weight loss of more than just a few pounds at a time is not normal. Understanding the signs and potential effects of unintentional weight loss can help you possibly catch a serious condition before it progresses too far.
Possible Causes
Some possible causes of unintentional weight loss include certain forms of cancer, hyperthyroidism, certain types of infection, including HIV, advanced cardiovascular or lung disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes. Certain medications can also cause you to lose unexpected amounts of weight or may decrease your appetite to the point where you start losing weight.
When to See a Doctor
Losing one or two pounds without being on a diet or exercise plan probably isn't enough of a cause for concern that you need to see your doctor. However, if you lose more than 5 percent of your body weight over a six month period or less, there could be something wrong. Be prepared to talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking or other symptoms you're having. Your doctor will likely ask about your eating patterns, normal appetite, if you have a recent history of vomiting and other diagnostic questions in relation to conditions that could be causing your unintentional weight loss.
Treatment
Your treatment for unintentional weight loss will largely depend on what condition you have that is causing it. Your doctor may choose to put you on a special diet to monitor your calorie intake. If you have a chronic illness, your doctor may choose to put you on a feeding tube to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs.
Considerations
If you're overweight, you may be tempted to not report unusual changes in your weight in a desire to shed unwanted pounds. But losing weight unintentionally may be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your health. Your body may also not be getting enough vital nutrients and vitamins, putting you at risk for malnutrition.
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