What Causes Unwanted Weight Loss?

Introduction

Losing weight without exercise or diet may seem like a great circumstance to be in. However, according to Richard L. Atkinson, MD, a professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, unexplained weight loss is one of the most serious symptoms of an underlying medical problem. If you have lost 10 pounds or more without explanation, see your doctor immediately. Diet and exercise changes should cause a slow reduction in weight, of one to three pounds per week.

Cancer

Cancer is one reason why a person could start losing weight without explanation. Tumors grow by attaching themselves to proteins on the linings of blood vessels. The cancer cells then signal the surrounding cells to form new capillaries, giving the tumor direct access to the blood stream to receive the nutrients it needs to grow. During this process the cancer leaches from the blood stream many nutrients that would normally create energy to fuel the body. Because of this, the body uses its fat deposits to create the energy needed to survive. This loss of fat results in the unexplained weight loss seen by many cancer sufferers.

AIDS

Those suffering from Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may also experience unexplained weight loss. This can be caused by a couple of factors. First, the body experiences an increased caloric need to help fight the infection. Second, the opportunistic infections associated with AIDS can cause nausea and vomiting, making it difficult to consume enough calories to keep a healthy weight.

Tuberculosis

A tuberculosis (TB) infection may also result in unexplained weight loss. Although TB primarily targets the lungs, the additional energy needed to fight the infection can result in an increased need for calories to help combat the disease. If extra calories are not consumed, the body turns to fat storage to make up the energy deficit, resulting in weight loss.

Glandular Diseases

Glandular diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes can also result in unwanted weight loss. Hyperthyroidism can increase metabolism so that it is hard to keep up with the caloric needs of the body, resulting in weight loss. Diabetes can cause problems with the pancreas, making it difficult for the body to turn glucose into energy. Instead, the body burns fat deposits for energy to keep the body operating.

Mental Illness

Mental illnesses like depression can also cause unwanted weight loss. This is usually because the illness interferes with the person's desire to eat. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia may also be considered mental illnesses, and can result in large amounts of weight loss, even after the desire to lose weight has subsided.