ABOUT THE DISEASE
There are normal fluctuations in the body weight, but a continuous or unintentional loss of more than 5% of body weight or 5 kg over a period of 6 months is a cause for concern as it can be an indicator of a serious underlying physical or mental illness.
Commonly, weight loss occurs when fewer calories are ingested than the body requirement, as due to decreased appetite or a disorder that prevents the digestive tract from absorbing nutrients . It may also occur due to a disorder that causes them to use more calories (for example, an overactive thyroid gland).
SYMPTOMS
- • tiredness
- • loss of appetite
- • change in toilet habits
- • Frequent illness or infections
- • Reduction in weight
CAUSES
Major causes of unexplained weight loss include:
- Cancer
- Diabetes mellitus type 2
- Depression
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic infection like Tuberculosis
- Malabsorption
- Medicine side effect
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorder like Bulimia
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical check up
- Blood tests
- Urine analysis
- Chest X-ray
- Specific tests as per underlying cause suspected
TREATMENT METHODS
ÂTreatment of underlying disorder is indicated.
If needed, high nutrition food supplements may be advised.
Enteral tube feeding may be required in patients with severe weight loss.
You may also like to learn about:
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes mellitus
Intestinal disease
Tuberculosis
Anorexia
Depression