Sudden, unexplained weight loss may indicate serious underlying health issues. It can be an early warning sign of potentially dangerous diseases that require timely diagnosis and medical attention.
Awareness of physical health is increasing day by day. Losing weight is seen as a goal for many and a way to health. However, sometimes sudden weight loss can be a sign of some diseases. Not all weight loss can be considered healthy. A loss of more than 5 percent of body weight within six to 12 months without any effort is medically defined as ‘unplanned weight loss’. Such weight loss can occur if the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients, is fighting disease, or is experiencing hormonal imbalances.
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Hyperthyroidism and Diabetes
When the thyroid gland overproduces, the body's metabolism speeds up. Because of this, body weight starts to decrease rapidly. People with hyperthyroidism may experience increased heart rate, excessive sweating, insomnia, and anxiety. Weight loss is one of the main symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes. Since glucose cannot enter the body's cells, the body starts using muscles and fat for energy. This causes more weight loss. Along with weight loss, frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and muscle loss are other symptoms of diabetes.
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Cancer and Heart Diseases
Weight loss is also a major early symptom of cancer. Because cancer cells need a lot of energy to grow, they absorb the body's energy. This leads to weight loss. Unexplained weight loss is one of the first signs of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, liver, or lungs. Some types of heart disease, especially heart failure, make it difficult for the body to properly excrete fluids. This can cause loss of appetite and excessive weight loss.
Lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cause difficulty in breathing. This expends more energy, causing gradual weight loss. Intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis affect the digestive system. Because of this, the body is unable to fully absorb the nutrients in food. This also causes weight loss. Some people experience loss of appetite when they experience severe stress and depression. Because of this, food intake decreases and body weight starts to decrease. People affected by the HIV virus also lose strength and start to lose weight suddenly. Weight loss is a common symptom of AIDS.
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Medical Advice is Necessary
If you are losing weight in a healthy way, there is no problem. Losing weight through proper diet and exercise are the right ways. But if you lose weight without any effort, especially if weight loss is accompanied by fatigue, digestive problems, mood swings, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Unplanned weight loss is not normal. Realize that these are early signs of the dangerous diseases mentioned above. Therefore, seeking medical help early on will help in identifying the underlying cause and getting proper treatment.
