Unintentional weight loss occurs for many reasons. Dietary and lifestyle changes that lead to lesser caloric intake and/or increased caloric expenditure (increased physical activity) commonly lead to weight loss. Some illnesses, such as digestive disorders and certain forms of cancer. may also cause unintended weight loss. If you haven't changed your eating or exercise habits, yet are losing weight, talk to your doctor about potential causes.
Diet or Exercise Changes
Hectic schedule, eating "on the run," changes in appetite due to stress or other emotions, and increased physical activity can all result in weight loss. The Mayo Clinic suggests that people experiencing unintended weight reduction become conscious of their eating habits. If your work or family obligations have increased, be sure to schedule timely meals and snacks. Make it a goal to never skip a meal. Keep healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit, yogurt or granola bars, in your car, home or workplace for easy access. Sit down for meals rather than eating in your car, or while standing and tending to other tasks.
If emotional upheaval has caused weight loss, seek ways to improve your emotional well-being. If your emotional difficulties are severe or you can't seem to improve your emotional state on your own, seek guidance from a qualified therapist or counselor. If you've recently increased physical activity, keep in mind that the more calories your burn through exercise, the more your body will require for wellness and maintenance of proper weight. For guidance in this regard, seek the expertise of a qualified fitness or nutritional therapist.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
A number of gastrointestinal conditions, or conditions that affect your digestive system, can lead to unintentional weight loss due to reduced appetite or nutrient malabsorption---the body's inability to properly break down and absorb food and nutrients. Examples of such conditions include ulcerative colitis, also known as Crohn's disease, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. The Mayo Clinic explains that such weight loss may occur when a person has one of these conditions, regardless of the amount of food consumed. If you suspect a digestive disorder may be at the root of your unexplained weight loss, seek proper testing and guidance from your doctor or a digestive specialist for best results. Such conditions are treatable and when symptoms such as malabsorption of nutrients persist, they can lead to more severe complications.
Cancer
Unexplained weight loss can be indicative of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, all cancer patients are likely to encounter unintentional weight loss at some point during the progression of their illness or as a side effect of treatment, such as chemotherapy. They also suggest that unintended weight loss that exceeds 10 lbs. may be a first recognized symptom of cancer, particularly in cases of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer. If you have cancer and are experiencing weight loss, talk to your doctor about means of supporting nutritional wellness and optimum weight throughout your treatment and recovery. If you have not been diagnosed with cancer but notice unintentional weight loss, seek examination and guidance from your doctor. Unexplained weight loss may be due to a variety of lifestyle and wellness complications, but since some causes such as cancer may be life-threatening, prompt examination and and diagnosis are key.
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