Are you losing weight for the last six months without any reason? If yes, then this blog is a must-read for you! Continue till the end to learn about the possible causes of sudden weight loss and get all your doubts answered. However, it is best to seek early medical help to avoid severe consequences.
What disorders are responsible for unexplained weight loss?
Typically, prolonged physical and mental stress are the two leading causes of weight loss. However, there can be other hidden issues, such as.
- Muscle loss: When we do not utilise the muscles, they degenerate, leading to ‘muscle atrophy’. Such a condition commonly happens to people who lead a sedentary life.
- Overactive thyroid gland: This is also known as hyperthyroidism. Excessive thyroid hormone in the body results in higher metabolism, which may significantly contribute to weight loss.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease that damages the joints. It causes inflammation, speeds up metabolic processes, and leads to excessive weight loss.
- Type 1 diabetes: In this disease, the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. Consequently, the body cannot utilise glucose and starts breaking down vital energy reserves.
- Mood disorder: One of the most typical mood disorders is ‘depression’. When a person is depressed, the part of the brain that determines hunger is disrupted. This, in turn, leads to decreased appetite and eventual weight loss.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): It is a chronic inflammation of the bowels. This, in turn causes the body to enter a catabolic state, which disrupts hunger and satiety hormones, ghrelin and leptin, respectively. As a result, appetite decreases, and a person loses weight.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a progressive disorder of the lungs that can potentially indicate emphysema and bronchitis. In an advanced stage, COPD can lead to weight loss as induced breathing burns a considerable number of calories.
- Endocarditis: It occurs when the heart’s inner lining (endocardium) is inflamed due to a microbial infection. Typically, such a condition is associated with symptoms like fever, reduced appetite, and more.
- Tuberculosis (TB): It is a communicable disease that affects the lungs. Some prime symptoms of TB are decreased hunger and overall weakness.
- Cancer:This results in abnormal growth and spread of cells to other parts of the body. Moreover, it heightens the chances of inflammation, inducing muscle loss and affecting hunger-related hormones. A growing tumour may also speed up basal metabolic rate.
- Addison’s disease: This condition occurs when the body’s defence system attacks the adrenal glands, causing the hormones cortisol and aldosterone to drop significantly. The possible consequences are reduced metabolism and hunger.
- HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus attacks the central immune system, disabling the T cells to combat potential infections. When left untreated for a long time, it gives rise to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As the disease progresses, severe illness associated with weight loss occurs.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): This occurs when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood optimally. As a result, the organ systems, including the digestive system, do not get enough blood. This results in early fullness and aversion to food.
What are the other risk factors?
- Ageing: As people grow old, they tend to lose more weight. Moreover, unhealthy practices such as smoking, drinking, etc., speed up the process.
- Gender: Recent studies state that males suffer more from heart disorders and pancreatic and pulmonary cancers in comparison to females. On the other hand, females run at a higher risk of developing thyroid problems, at least two to three times more than rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poverty: It is a significant contributor to poor weight gain in children worldwide. When a nation lacks resources, it struggles to provide adequate nutrition for its population.
- Problems with child feeding: It is a common problem for nursing mothers. Even if some mothers use formula powders, the child may require more nutrition. Thus, it is always best to consult a paediatrician before introducing such foods as babies are prone to unwanted food allergies.
- Eating disorders: Such disorders are more common in females than males. A common type of eating disorder named ‘anorexia’ results in drastic weight loss. Consequently, a person becomes very weak and paves the path for other potential complications in the long run.
Unexplained weight loss – how to diagnose?
The diagnosis starts with a thorough physical evaluation. The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, including prior surgeries and medications. Next, he may suggest diagnostic and imaging tests, such as blood analysis, X-rays, MRI, etc. In addition, some doctors may check your mental health too! Thus, if you face unexplained weight loss over time, you need to book a private GP appointment in London immediately.
How can one treat such a condition?
In most cases, nutritional deficiencies are held responsible. Try having a regular, balanced diet to compensate for the lost nutrients. However, there might be several underlying reasons for such a condition. Thus, it is necessary to get a detailed diagnosis of the health.
Final takeaway
Many private healthcare clinics in London offer affordable diagnostic tests. These tests help determine an individual’s current health status and detect potent underlying risks that may lurk in the future. Thus, if you have been suffering from unexplained weight loss for a long period, do not delay and book a private GP appointment in London before it gets too late!