Unexplained, significant weight loss (losing >5% body weight in 6-12 months without trying) is most commonly caused by underlying medical conditions, including cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, or mental health issues like depression. It often stems from metabolic changes, malnutrition, or reduced appetite.

What would cause excessive weight loss?

Some causes of unintentional weight loss include: mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) problems with digestion, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hormone conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or type 1 diabetes.

When to be worried about weight loss?

You should worry about weight loss when it's unintentional, meaning you lose more than 5% of your body weight (about 10 pounds for a 160-pound person) in 6 to 12 months without trying, or if you're an older adult where even smaller losses are concerning. Look for accompanying symptoms like fatigue, appetite loss, changes in bowel habits, or increased infections, as unexplained weight loss can signal serious underlying issues like diabetes, thyroid problems, digestive issues, or cancer.
 

What chronic illness makes you lose weight?

While cancer and GI issues and mental health cause most unintentional weight loss, there are many other reasons you might suddenly lose weight, including: Dementia, due to changes in mealtime habits. Endocrine issues, including thyroid disorders and diabetes.

What tests are done for unexplained weight loss?

When the Scale Drops Without Trying: Essential Tests for Weight Loss

• Initial Laboratory Testing. ...
• Cancer Screening Tests. ...
• Digestive System Evaluation. ...
• Hormonal and Metabolic Testing. ...
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Assessment. ...
• Infectious Disease Screening. ...
• Next Step.

13 Causes Of Unexplained Weight Loss (2018)

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?

Symptoms & Causes of Gastroparesis

• feeling full soon after starting a meal.
• feeling full long after eating a meal.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• too much bloating.
• too much belching.
• pain in your upper abdomen.
• heartburn.

When should you see a doctor for weight loss?

There isn't an exact number for when weight loss becomes a medical concern. In general, see your healthcare professional if you lose more than 5% of your weight in 6 to 12 months when you aren't trying to lose weight. For example, a 5% weight loss in someone who is 160 pounds (72 kilograms) is 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).

What medications cause weight loss?

• Anticonvulsants (e.g. Topiramate)
• Appetite Suppressants (e.g. Phentermine)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• Levodopa.
• Metformin (Glucophage)
• Antipsychotic Medication (Neuroleptics)
• Opioid Analgesics.
• Stimulant Medications (e.g. Methylphenidate, Dextroamphetamine)

What is considered unsafe weight loss?

According to experts, the normal rate of losing weight is 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9kg) per week. Losing more than that is considered rapid weight loss. It can cause several physical health problems such as muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, and a drop in metabolism.

What kind of weight loss is alarming?

Contact your provider if: You or a family member loses more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height. 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 autoimmune disease causes weight loss?

The signs and symptoms of autoimmune Addison disease can begin at any time, although they most commonly begin between ages 30 and 50. Common features of this condition include extreme tiredness (fatigue), nausea, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

Where do you hurt with gastroparesis?

Upper abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting. Regurgitating (spitting up) whole pieces of undigested food.

What drugs cause gastroparesis?

Narcotics, antidepressants and other medications which delay stomach emptying may also cause gastroparesis. There are a group of patients with gastroparesis where there is no obvious cause.

At what age does gastroparesis start?

There is no obstruction or structural abnormality that causes the symptoms. Nerves that tell the stomach to empty are not effective, so the stomach is too slow in moving food through. Gastroparesis can affect people of all ages, but it is most often diagnosed in people aged 18 to 39.

What serious illness can cause weight loss?

Long-term conditions, particularly in later stages of disease

• Cirrhosis.
• COPD.
• End-stage renal disease.
• Heart failure.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Tuberculosis.

When is weight loss worrying?

You should worry about weight loss when it's unintentional, meaning you lose more than 5% of your body weight (about 10 pounds for a 160-pound person) in 6 to 12 months without trying, or if you're an older adult where even smaller losses are concerning. Look for accompanying symptoms like fatigue, appetite loss, changes in bowel habits, or increased infections, as unexplained weight loss can signal serious underlying issues like diabetes, thyroid problems, digestive issues, or cancer.
 

What is the most common cause of weight loss in the elderly?

Among the most common conditions that may affect sudden weight loss are:

• Hyperthyroidism.
• Cancer.
• Alzheimer's or Dementia.
• Gastrointestinal Issues.
• Diabetes.
• Heart Disease.

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