Undesired weight loss may stem from an array of factors and conditions, including medication changes, changes in mood or as a side effect of a serious illness. In many cases, unintentional weight loss is a cue that your body requires immediate medical care. Regardless of the reason, unintentional weight loss should be discussed with your doctor, particularly if your weight is reducing dramatically.
Altered Diet or Activity Level
Stress, hectic work schedules, increased physical activity (without eating enough to compensate) or changes in appetite due to emotional reasons all can lead to unintentional weight loss. If you have noted such weight reduction and are not experiencing additional symptoms, such as pain, swelling or digestive problems, examine your current lifestyle and consider whether you have made changes in your food intake or exercise routine. Your dietary habits may have changed when you took on a new job or other responsibilities, and you are are scarcely aware of the change. Once you have determined that you have indeed altered your lifestyle habits, seek ways to improve them. If you have increased physical activity, find ways to increase your caloric intake. If your work schedule does not allow for long, sit-down lunch breaks, plan ahead by packing nutritious, on-the-go meals.
If you are struggling to take proper nutritional care of yourself, seek guidance from a qualified professional, because low body weight can lead to a variety of health consequences, including reduced energy, mood swings and a weakened immune system.
Age-Related Appetite Loss
Older adults are more likely to experience reduced appetite than younger adults or children. In addition, experts at Mayo Clinic suggest that such appetite loss is more probable in older adults who also experience altered sense of taste or smell, nausea, depression or who are taking prescription medications. Since proper nutrition is important for body strength and repair and protecting the body against infections and diseases throughout the aging process, elderly people who experience reduced appetite should discuss their symptoms with their doctor.
Digestive Problems
Many digestive disorders lead to reduced body weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), peptic ulcers and celiac disease are examples of digestive conditions that can cause decreased appetite and malabsorption of nutrients, during which the body cannot break down or use nutrients properly. In some cases, weight loss occurs during these illnesses, regardless of how much food is consumed. These conditions and the weight loss that results can cause the body extensive harm if left untreated. If you suspect that digestive abnormalities are causing you to lose undesired weight, seek guidance from your medical doctor promptly.
Serious Diseases
Serious diseases that may lead to undesired weight loss include cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, emotions and physiology, as well as treatment (such as chemotherapy) can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss in cancer patients. The Mayo Clinic suggests that unintended weight loss caused by kidney disease may result from nausea, vomiting or losing protein through urine. Weight loss is also a common complication of advanced stages of heard disease, such as congestive heart failure.
In all these cases, the body depends upon proper nutrient intake to effectively fight illness and heal. If you have a serious disease of this nature and are experiencing weight loss, discuss treatment options and strategies for resolve with your doctor or dietitian.
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