What Illnesses Lead to Weight Loss? Professor Identifies 6 Causes of Rapid Weight Loss

Don’t celebrate if you start losing weight unexpectedly without dieting or exercising. This symptom should be a cause for concern, as it might indicate underlying health problems. "Unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, especially if it is significant and persistent, can be a sign of illness." The exact threshold at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern isn't clearly defined, but many experts suggest seeing a doctor if you lose more than 5% of your body weight within 6-12 months, particularly if you are older. Sudden weight loss can stem from physical, psychological, or environmental factors.

1. Hormonal Changes

Weight loss can be related to hormonal disorders, as hormones regulate metabolism and appetite. Common illnesses affecting weight loss include Addison's disease, type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disorders, specifically hyperthyroidism.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal problems can disrupt the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin and the satiety hormone leptin, leading to decreased appetite. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can impair food digestion and nutrient absorption. Severe conditions include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, liver diseases, pancreatic diseases, and parasitic infections.

3. Dental Problems and Oral Mucosa Pathologies

Dental issues and pathologies of the tongue and oral mucosa can hinder eating, proper chewing, and subsequently digestion in the stomach and intestines, leading to weight loss.

4. Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors cause inflammation in the body, disrupting the production of hormones that regulate appetite. Moreover, many cancer treatments and medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Cancers that commonly lead to unexplained weight loss include pancreatic, lung, stomach, and esophageal cancers.

5. Eating Disorders

Individuals with anorexia or bulimia (episodes of excessive eating followed by induced vomiting) are particularly vulnerable to rapid weight loss.

6. Severe Stress

Significant stressful situations, major life changes, or severe psychological trauma can lead to increased anxiety, decreased appetite, and significant weight loss. Such events include divorce, the loss of a loved one, job loss, or relocation.

In summary, if you've lost 5% of your weight in the last 6-12 months without trying, it's time to see a doctor for a comprehensive examination. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.