Unexplained Weight Loss

People usually search for diets that really work, when they want to lose a few pounds. Weight loss is in fact desired by health conscious or figure conscious people. Obese also desperately want to lose weight. Losing weight by following suitable diet and exercise program is considered as great success; but unexplained weight loss, losing weight without even trying for it, is definitely a matter of deep concern. Such weight reduction can be a symptom of a number of serious diseases.

A temporary or minimal weight loss, without trying for it, is fine and for some people, it can be a welcome surprise. The body weight depends upon genetic factors, your calorie intake, overall health, physical activity, age, nutrient absorption, lifestyle, etc. Once you reach middle adulthood, your weight remains relatively stable from year to year. A decrease of a few pounds should not be a cause of concern. But if you experience an unplanned weight loss of about 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more, or if you suddenly lose 5 percent of your body weight, or if the weight loss persists, there might be some serious underlying cause behind it. Finding out the cause is important as the treatment can be started earlier.

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

• Excessive smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Diarrhea
• Laxative abuse
• Dementia
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition
• Loss of teeth
• Mouth sores
• AIDS/HIV
• Parkinson's disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Tuberculosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Infections
• Metabolic disorders
• Side effects of medicines
• Eating disorders like bulimia nervosa (binge eating and purging) or anorexia nervosa (fear of eating)

Thus, temporary disorders or serious health hazards can lead to significant loss of weight. So, one should consult a physician immediately instead of being happy about losing the extra pounds without exercising or without giving up on your favorite foods.

In Women

Anorexia nervosa is very common among teenage girls. Undesirable loss of weight in women can be attributed to mental health problems like stress and anxiety. Apart from this, depression can result in sudden loss of weight. It can lower the appetite and can lead to digestive problems. Hormonal imbalance, excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, excessive smoking, various cancers, hyperthyroidism are some other common causes of inexplicable weight loss in women.

In Men

Drug abuse or alcohol abuse, excessive smoking, liver cirrhosis or various types of cancers, dementia, depression, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease are some of the common causes of unpremeditated weight loss in men. Actually, all the causes mentioned above are applicable to all men and women. For instance, HIV/AIDS or mouth ulcers or loss of teeth, etc.

In Children

Children suffering from diarrhea, infections, malnutrition, dehydration, tuberculosis, etc., lose weight fast. Type I diabetes, common in young children, teenagers and adults under the age of 30, occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin that promotes absorption of glucose in the cells. With the help of glucose, your body can function properly, as it provides your body the required energy to function. When the body does not receive enough energy, weight loss is likely to occur, along with some other symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, etc.

Weight loss and fatigue generally go hand in hand. Age is also an important factor that is associated with rapid and unexplained loss of weight. The treatment may vary according to the underlying cause of weight loss. Only a physician can find out the root cause of the problem. He would ask you about other accompanying symptoms and may order some tests. Till then, a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient rest can help solve the problem.