Unplanned Weight Loss

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• Unplanned weight loss is when you lose weight without trying.
• Because many things can cause weight loss, it is important to let your healthcare provider know if you’ve lost weight without trying.

________________________________________________________________________

What is unplanned weight loss?

Unplanned weight loss is when you lose weight without trying. Your weight can change, depending on how much you eat and exercise. However, if you have lost more than 5% of your body weight without dieting or increasing your activity level, you should see your healthcare provider. For example, if you usually weigh 200 pounds and have lost 10 pounds, the weight loss may be a sign of illness.

What is the cause?

Unplanned weight loss may be caused by:

• Alcohol or drug abuse
• An overactive thyroid gland, which is in the lower front of your neck. It makes hormones that control many of your body functions
• Cancer
• Dentures that don’t fit well or pain in your teeth or mouth that keep you from eating a healthy diet
• Depression, anxiety, or stress
• Diabetes
• Frequent or long-lasting diarrhea or vomiting
• Heart failure
• High levels of calcium or potassium in your blood
• Kidney disease
• Parasite infections or food poisoning, which you can get by drinking water that has not been treated to kill germs or eating contaminated food
• Problems with the pancreas, which is an organ in your upper belly that makes insulin and helps your body digest food.
• Problems with your intestines, gallbladder, or liver
• Some medicines

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have blood and urine tests. You may have other tests or scans to check for possible causes of your symptoms.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. For example:

• If a medicine is the cause, your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a different medicine or dosage.
• If you have lost weight because of depression or anxiety, treating those problems should help you regain weight in a few weeks.
• If you have problems with your teeth, your provider may recommend seeing your dentist.
• If tests show that you have a vitamin or hormone problem, your provider may recommend a change in your diet, supplements, or medicine for the hormone problem.
• When your weight loss is due to a disease such as cancer, diabetes, or heart failure, treating those problems may help you regain weight. You may also want to ask your provider for a referral to a dietitian.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:

• Take care of your health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you smoke, try to quit. If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink. Learn ways to manage stress. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.

Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.