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What is unexplained weight loss? -

Unexplained or unintentional weight loss is when there is a drop in weight but there is no apparent explanation for it. Usually lifestyle changes such as a new diet and/or exercise routine can lead to weight loss, but losing weight without any apparent reason may be cause for concern.

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How much weight and for how long? -

Our body weight fluctuates, even daily, but this is mostly due to water levels in our bodies. To be classified as unexplained weight loss, one must experience a weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more, or 5% of body weight, over a period of six to 12 months.

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Causes -

In the absence of a caloric deficit, there are quite a few other causes for weight loss, including physical and psychological ones. Let’s now take a look at some of the possible causes, and how they can be treated.

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Cause: muscle atrophy -

Loss of muscle can lead to weight loss. This is more common in people with very low levels of physical activity (e.g. are bedridden), but muscle atrophy also affects those with sedentary lifestyles, especially in old age.

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Treatment: muscle atrophy -

Loss of lean muscle mass can be reverted through resistance training and diet, so it’s not the worst-case scenario, really.

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Cause: hyperthyroidism -

Our thyroids help regulate our metabolism. An overactive thyroid will speed things up, meaning we will burn more calories and consequently lose weight.

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Treatment: hyperthyroidism -

Hyperthyroidism is often treated with antithyroid drugs, beta blockers, and radioiodine therapy.

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Cause: rheumatoid arthritis -

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that often leads to inflammation, and, consequently, speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss.

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Treatment: rheumatoid arthritis -

Although there is no cure as such for RA, there are ways of managing the inflammation, pain, etc. These include the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

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Cause: type 1 diabetes -

Those with the condition have their insulin-making cells in the pancreas attacked by the immune system. If the body doesn’t produce insulin, it can use glucose as fuel, and as such must find other sources of fuel. This is usually fat and muscle, which leads to weight loss.

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Treatment: type 1 diabetes -

A strict diet, as well as taking insulin daily (as shots or through an insulin pump), is the only way to manage the condition.

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Cause: depression -

Mental health issues may be a cause of unexplained weight loss. Mood disorders such as depression can affect appetite (both increase and loss) and may lead to a drop in weight.

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Treatment: depression -

Depression is often treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants.

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Cause: inflammatory bowel disease -

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes the body to be in a constant catabolic state. This means that it’s constantly burning calories to fight off the inflammation. IBD also disrupts the hunger hormone ghrelin, and the hormone that signals satiety, leptin.

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Treatment: inflammatory bowel disease -

IBD is usually treated with anti-inflammatories, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, and corticosteroids.

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Cause: COPD -

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in the later stages, can make the body burn more calories because it uses more energy to assist with breathing.

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Treatment: COPD -

There are a number of ways to tackle this lung disease, including medications such as bronchodilators and steroids, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

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Cause: endocarditis -

Endocarditis occurs when there is an inflammation of the endocardium (the heart’s inner lining). The condition is often associated with a fever and decreased appetite. The higher body temperature may lead to extra calories being burned.

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Treatment: endocarditis -

Endocarditis is caused by germs that enter the bloodstream, usually bacteria. Many people are successfully treated with antibiotics.

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Cause: tuberculosis (TB) -

Tuberculosis (TB) is a lung disease caused by bacteria. It often leads to decreased appetite and weight loss.

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Treatment: tuberculosis (TB) -

TB is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics. Unlike some other bacterial infections, treatment for TB lasts for several months.

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Cause: cancer -

Unexplained weight loss may be a sign of cancer. The disease causes inflammation, promotes muscle loss, and may disrupt appetite-regulating hormones. A growing tumor can also increase one’s daily caloric expenditure.

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Cause: cancer -

According to a 2017 study conducted in a Barcelona hospital, pancreatic cancer and lymphoma were the more common types of cancer to cause weight loss. These are followed by bladder, kidney, and ureteral cancers.

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Treatment: cancer -

Treatment will depend on the type of cancer and its individual characteristics, but often involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

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Cause: Addison’s disease -

Addison’s disease occurs when the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, impairing the production of several hormones. This includes cortisol and aldosterone, which play an important role in appetite and metabolism, potentially leading to weight loss.

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Treatment: Addison’s disease -

Corticosteroid (steroid) replacement therapy is the only way to ensure the disease is under control. Usually, medication to replace the missing hormones must be taken for life.

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Cause: HIV -

The HIV virus attacks T-cells (white blood cells that fight infection) and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Weight loss in HIV patients can occur due to infections, altered nutrition, metabolic and hormone changes, medication side effects, and even mental health issues.

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Treatment: HIV -

The treatment for HIV is done through antiretroviral therapy (ART). An HIV treatment regimen comprises a number of drugs, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, entry inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors.

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Cause: congestive heart failure -

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart has trouble filling up and/or pumping enough blood. If the digestive system doesn’t get enough blood, symptoms such as early fullness and nausea may occur, affecting appetite and food intake. CHF can also make breathing more difficult, and the body may require more calories to do it.

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Treatment: congestive heart failure -

Treatment of CHF may include lifestyle changes as well as a combination of drugs, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, digitalis glycosides, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and beta-blockers.

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Other explanations possible -

Diagnosis of the underlying cause of unexplained weight loss is not always easy. In the absence of other symptoms, a medical provider will usually prescribe some blood tests. A psychological assessment may also be considered.

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Who’s at risk? -

Unexplained weight loss may affect anyone. Though when it comes to risk factors, older adults (over 65), especially those who smoke, are at higher risk. So are children and adolescents who suffer from allergies, eating disorders, and live in poverty.

Sources: (Healthline) (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic) (NHS)

See also: Unlikely things that are making you gain weight

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