13 Causes and Treatment Options

13 Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss and Treatment Options

Losing weight without trying may indicate an underlying condition. Conditions that cause unexplained weight loss include overactive thyroid, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression.

A Good Rule of Thumb

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See your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount – more than 5% of your weight – within 6 to 12 months. In addition, take note of any other symptoms to discuss with your doctor.

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

Not all weight loss is serious. It can happen after a life-changing or stressful event. However, unexplained or unintentional weight loss may indicate one of these medical conditions:

1. Muscle Loss (Muscle Atrophy)

This can lead to unexpected weight loss from loss of muscle, most commonly if you don’t use your muscles for a while. It’s most common in people who don’t exercise, work desk jobs, or are bedridden.

2. Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid develops when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. These hormones control many functions in the body, including metabolism. If your thyroid is overactive, you’ll quickly burn calories even if you have a good appetite.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints, leading to inflammation that can speed up metabolism and reduce your overall weight.

4. Type 1 Diabetes

Your immune system attacks cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for energy. This causes high blood glucose and causes your body to burn fat and muscle for energy.

5. Depression

This mood disorder affects the same brain parts that control appetite. This can lead to poor appetite and, eventually, weight loss. In some people, depression may increase appetite. The symptoms vary from person to person.

6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The chronic inflammation of IBD puts your body in a catabolic state, which means it constantly uses energy. IBD also disrupts ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and leptin, the satiety hormone. This results in decreased appetite.

7. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This progressive lung disease includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In later stages, COPD can cause weight loss because labored breathing burns many calories.

8. Endocarditis

This is inflammation of your heart’s inner lining or endocardium caused by germs – usually bacteria – that enter the bloodstream and collect in your heart. Most people with endocarditis have a fever. It may come along with poor appetite. Elevated body temperature also increases metabolism and burns fat, causing weight loss.

9. Tuberculosis (TB)

This contagious condition usually affects the lungs. Weight loss and decreased appetite are major symptoms of TB, but the reasons aren’t fully understood.

10. Cancer

This is the general term for diseases that cause abnormal cells to quickly divide and spread. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more.

11. Addison’s Disease

This rare condition causes the immune system to attack the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can’t make enough hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol regulates many functions, including metabolism and appetite. Low levels of cortisol may lead to poor appetite.

12. HIV

This virus attacks immune cells called T cells, making fighting infections difficult. If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Advanced forms of these conditions often cause weight loss from nutritional deficiency and decreased hunger caused by illness symptoms.

13. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

This develops when the heart can’t fill up with enough blood, pump blood with enough force, or both. Your digestive system can’t receive enough blood, leading to nausea and early fullness. It might be hard to breathe while eating, and the inflammation in damaged heart tissue also speeds up metabolism.

Risk Factors

A few other factors may make it more likely to lose weight without an explanation. These include:

In Older Adults

Research shows that unexplained weight loss occurs in 15–20% of people ages 65 and above.

In Children and Adolescents

The following risk factors increase the chance of unexplained or unintentional weight loss in children:

Poverty

In the U.S., living in poverty is the biggest risk factor for failure to thrive, which is a child below the standard height and weight values for their age.

Challenges with Breastfeeding to Chestfeeding

It’s common to have difficulty with nursing. Even if you’re using formula, as a new parent, you may need time to learn how to prepare it correctly for your baby.

In Males vs. Females

Compared with females, males have a higher rate of:

Treatment Options

Since there are many potential causes of unexplained weight loss, the diagnosis will probably start with a thorough evaluation. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and history of known medical conditions or medications.

Conclusion

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you experience a 5% weight loss in 6 to 12 months or notice any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor.

FAQs

Q: How common is unexplained weight loss?
A: Unexplained weight loss is common, affecting up to 10% of adults in the United States.

Q: What are the symptoms of unexplained weight loss?
A: Symptoms of unexplained weight loss include rapid weight loss, changes in appetite, and changes in body composition.

Q: How do I know if my weight loss is due to an underlying medical condition?
A: See your doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss, especially if you have additional symptoms.

Q: What is the most common cause of unexplained weight loss?
A: The most common cause of unexplained weight loss is cancer, followed by hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease.

Q: What should I do if I experience unexplained weight loss?
A: Visit your doctor for a thorough evaluation and discussion of possible causes and treatment options.