Weight-Loss Isn’t Always a Good Thing

March 23, 2009

I know for the last several weeks I’ve been preaching about the need to lose weight and effective strategies as to how to shed those unwanted pounds!  Many of you have commented about your success in the weight-loss department and I offer you my props!  There are some instances, however, where weight loss should cause a concern.  I’m focused on those of you who aren’t trying to lose weight yet still are losing pounds.  Typically, people will say that their pants are loose, or someone told them they look like they’ve lost weight. Physicians typically refer to this as unwanted or unintentional weight loss.  Some of you might be playfully thinking “how do I get that condition?”—but it can be a symptom of something more serious.

Like we’ve talked about before, weight loss is still simple math – calories expended are more than calories taken in.   So something is going on that is causing you to eat less, or calories are not being absorbed properly, or there is a hyperactive or catabolic process going on in your body.

There are a whole range of conditions that can cause unintentional weight loss. These include malnutrition, depression, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and thyroid disease.   Of course, bulimia and anorexia cause weight-loss but right now I’m focusing on conditions where you can’t explain why you’re losing weight – assuming you’re not knowingly changing diet or increasing your activity level.

As always, it is especially concerning at the spectrum of ages--- that is, those that are very young or very old.  Typically, if one loses around 5% of their body weight without trying (that would be 7.5 lbs in a 150-lb person), one should see a doctor.  I’d want to do an extensive history and physical, as well as some lab tests.  I’d want to know if you are having any other symptoms, such as diarrhea, cough, dizziness, unusual stress, fever, or vomiting.  It also matters if the weight loss came on suddenly or it was more gradual. Family history of diseases or risky sexual behavior or substance abuse would be areas to which I’d pay special attention.  Based on the history and physical, I’d likely order several lab tests and possibly some imaging studies such as a CT scan if there’s a particular symptom like cough.  The cause of unintentional weight loss often takes several visits and tests, so do not despair if the reason isn’t figured out right away. 

So for those of you that think you might be losing weight and you aren’t trying, start weighing yourself every few days.  If you are gradually losing weight and you cannot explain it, you need to see your doctor.  Don’t delay.

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Related Links:

Don't ignore these symptoms!

How to tell if you or a friend may have an eating disorder.

Comments

[Ana]

I learned the issues with inexplicable weight loss when I was suffering from a then yet-undiagnosed case of Addison's Disease. (I was eating salt and little else.) When you find yourself no longer eating, and if you're a type I diabetic and you discover that you no longer need insulin....there's a real problem. It's even more difficult when you're that ill to determine that there's a problem because you're so unaware of how ill you are.