A person's weight can fluctuate up or down--by 2 to 3 pounds--without reason. However, when weight loss--10 pounds or more--happens without purpose, a serious medical condition could exist. If the total unexplained weight loss occurs within six months to a year, a physician should be consulted. Often, rapid weight loss takes place when a hearty appetite is present. Either way, hungry or not, this type of deterioration should be checked.
Effects
A 5 percent decrease in body weight, occurring involuntarily, generally indicates an underlying medical problem. Unexplained weight loss taking place within one year's time is cause for concern. According to Dr. Arturo R. Rolla, "weight loss can be a serious and ominous finding." Unexplained weight loss, indicative of medical problems, often happens while a person is still eating a regular diet. The loss of appetite--for no known reason--is also an indicator of a potentially serious medical condition.
Increased Appetite
There are fewer causes for unexplained weight loss with an increased appetite; however, medical maladies are usually at the root. They can include: diabetes, hyperthyroidism, malabsorbtion, increased physical activity or dietary changes. According to staff at the Mayo Clinic, diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, can also be associated with a decreased appetite. Involuntary weight loss and its cause can be elusive.
Decreased Appetite
More common with involuntary weight loss is a decreased appetite. Medical conditions associated with this type of weight loss are: cancer, acute and chronic infections, heart or lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and certain medications. The Vanderbuilt School of Medicine maintains that "unintentional weight loss is a non-specific symptom..." but confirms the cause could be a hidden medical condition.
Considerations
When obsessive exercise or binging and purging exist, these behaviors are inherent of emotional issues. When a person, friend or loved one is showing signs of this type of activity, intervention may be necessary. Depression, stress and anxiety are other cause for a decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss.
Age-related Cause
As people age their appetite changes; this change may result in involuntary weight loss. Smell, taste and appearance of certain foods may not appeal to them any longer. It is important to ensure a healthful diet is made available and being consumed by the elderly.
Tags: weight loss, medical condition, this type, weight loss, associated with, decreased appetite