Weight loss - unintentional
Unexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own.
Many people gain and lose weight. Unintentional weight loss is loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less without knowing the reason.
Causes
A loss of appetite may be due to:
- Feeling depressed
- Cancer, even when other symptoms are not present
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Chronic infection such as AIDS or tuberculosis
AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Chronic illness, such as COPD or Parkinson disease
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleParkinson disease
Parkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Drug use such as amphetamines and cocaine
- Medicines, including chemotherapy medicines, and thyroid medicines
- Stress or anxiety
Chronic digestive system problems that decrease the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs, including:
- Celiac disease
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an immune disorder passed down through families. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, or rye. It may also be found in some ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Diarrhea and other infections that last a long time, such as parasites
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas
- Removal of part of the small intestine
- Overuse of laxatives
Other causes such as:
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa that have not been diagnosed yet
Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Diabetes that has not been diagnosed
- Overactive thyroid gland
Home Care
Your health care provider may suggest changes in your diet and an exercise program depending on the cause of your weight loss.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
- You or a family member loses more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height.
Loses more weight
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - You have lost more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less, and you do not know the reason.
- You have other symptoms in addition to the weight loss.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will do a physical exam and check your weight. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
- How much weight have you lost?
- When did the weight loss begin?
- Has the weight loss occurred quickly or slowly?
- Are you eating less?
- Are you eating different foods?
- Are you exercising more?
- Have you been sick?
- Do you have any dental problems or mouth sores?
- Do you have more stress or anxiety than usual?
- Have you vomited? Did you make yourself vomit?
- Have you been fainting?
Fainting
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Do you have occasional uncontrollable hunger with palpitations, tremor, or sweating?
Hunger
Increased appetite means you have an excess desire for food.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePalpitations
Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSweating
Sweating is the release of liquid from the body's sweat glands. This liquid contains salt. This process is also called perspiration. Sweating helps...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Have you had constipation or diarrhea?
Constipation
Constipation in infants and children means they have hard stools or have problems passing stools. A child may have pain while passing stools or may ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Do you have increased thirst or are you drinking more?
Increased thirst
Excessive thirst is an abnormal feeling of always needing to drink fluids.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Are you urinating more than usual?
Urinating more than usual?
Frequent urination means needing to urinate more often than usual. Urgent urination is a sudden, strong need to urinate. This causes a discomfort i...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Have you lost any hair?
- What medicines are you taking?
- Do you feel sad or depressed?
- Are you pleased or concerned with the weight loss?
You may need to see a dietitian for nutrition advice.
Reviewed By
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cederholm TE, Bosaeus IG. Malnutrition: assessment and support. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 198.
Manary MJ, Trehan I. Severe malnutrition. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 197.
McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.
Seller RH, Symons AB. Weight gain and weight loss. In: Seller RH, Symons AB, eds. Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 36.
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