Weight loss should be a concern when it occurs unintentionally without the person realizing that you are losing weight. In general, it is normal to lose weight after stressful stages such as changing jobs, going through a divorce or losing a loved one.
However, if weight loss is not linked to these factors and neither to diet or increased physical activity, one should seek a doctor to assess the cause of the problem, which may be diseases such as thyroid problems, diabetes or cancer.
When to worry
Weight loss is worrying when the patient inadvertently loses more than 5% of body weight over a period of 6 months to 1 year. In a person weighing 70 kg, for example, the loss is worrisome when it is larger than 3.5 kg, and in a person weighing 50 kg, the concern comes when she slims another 2.5 kg unintentionally.
Also, attention should be paid to signs such as tiredness, loss of appetite, changes in the functioning of the bowel and increased frequency of infections such as influenza.
Possible causes
When weight loss happens unintentionally and for no apparent reason, it can be linked to problems such as:
- Intestinal diseases such as ulcers and Crohn's disease;
- Neurological diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease;
- Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism;
- Addison's disease, which is a problem in the adrenal gland;
- Cancer;
- Diabetes;
- Depression;
- Heart problems;
- AIDS;
- Tuberculosis;
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
In addition, we also need to assess whether weight loss is linked to other problems such as tooth loss, anorexia or bulimia. See tips for gaining weight in a healthy way.
Causes of weight loss in the elderly
Weight loss during aging is normal when it is slow and is usually linked to lack of appetite, altered taste or due to side effects of medicines. Another common reason is dementia, which causes one to forget to eat and eat properly.
In addition to weight loss, it is also normal to lose bone mass, which makes the older person more fragile and at greater risk of having bone fractures.
Causes of Weight Loss in Pregnancy
Weight loss in pregnancy is not a normal situation, but it can occur mainly when the pregnant woman has many nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and can not make adequate food.
In these cases, it is essential to consult a nutritionist to know what to do and to avoid serious complications that could hinder the growth of the fetus, since it is expected that the healthy pregnant woman and normal weight increase from 11 to 15 kg during the whole gestation. Learn How many pounds can gain weight in pregnancy.
Causes of weight loss in baby
Weight loss is common in newborn babies, who typically lose up to 10% of body weight during the first 15 days of life, due to the expulsion of fluids through urine and feces.
From there, the baby is expected to increase about 250 g per week until 6 months of age and will always increase in weight and height as the age advances.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of weight loss, the doctor will evaluate the symptoms presented and ask for tests such as blood, urine and stool tests, MRI and X-ray of the chest, continuing the investigation according to the results obtained.
Usually the general practitioner is the first doctor to be consulted and only after the results of the exams can he appoint a specialist according to the cause of the problem, such as endocrinologist, psychiatrist or oncologist, for example.
To help evaluate the cause of the problem, see the signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer.
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