Increased Appetite With Weight Loss

Weight loss is usually a desired outcome, but when it occurs unexpectedly, it may signal that something is wrong with your health. If you are losing weight but your appetite is increasing, it may indicate a serious endocrine disorder or gastrointestinal problem. Although weight loss could ultimately just be a lifestyle issue, contact your doctor if you have any unexplained weight loss within a short period of time.

Natural Changes

If you are following a program that includes exercise and dietary changes, weight loss and increased appetite could just be part of the changes you are experiencing. When you work out but do not compensate by eating more calories, you will lose weight and feel starved. Skipping meals, eating less fat or just having a busy schedule can also be contributing factors. If, however, you have not been exercising or missing meals, an underlying medical condition may be causing the issue.

Hyperthyroidism

One of the most common problems that causes excessive appetite and weight loss is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the thyroid overproduces the hormone thyroxine. In addition to a reduction in weight and increased appetite, other symptoms include nervousness, sweating, irritability and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. You may also have difficulty sleeping, fatigue and a swollen neck near the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is treated with medication, surgery or both. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Consult a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that is related to blood sugar and the hormone insulin. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and it controls the level of sugar in the blood. Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin, resistance to it or a combination of the two. Type 1 diabetes is caused by lack of insulin, and weight loss and increased appetite are major symptoms, along with fatigue, increased thirst and urination, and nausea and vomiting. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 and is caused by resistance to insulin. It often has symptoms of increased appetite, and the other symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, but not weight loss. Both are serious conditions, however, and if left untreated can lead to complications, so consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Another common cause of increased appetite and weight loss is a gastrointestinal problem -- what's known as "malabsorption syndrome." Crohn's disease affects the small intestine and blocks nutrients from being absorbed, which can lead to an increased appetite and weight loss. Other illnesses that have similar effects are celiac disease and parasitic infections. Other symptoms that go along with malabsorption syndromes are diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and cramps. Fat in the stool is also a common symptom. Consult a doctor if these symptoms occur.

Considerations

If you have lost weight and are not trying to -- particularly if you have lost 5 percent of your body weight or more than 10 lb. in a six- to 12-month period -- consult your doctor, suggests MayoClinic.com. Your doctor can do the appropriate tests to determine the underlying problem. Many other issues, such as depression, bulimia and drug abuse, can also cause weight loss and increased appetite.