By Aubrey Fulton APRN
Losing weight is great, but not all weight loss should be celebrated. You have healthy weight loss, and unhealthy or sinister weight loss. It’s normal for your body weight to fluctuate. However, if you’re losing weight without being sick, changing your dietary intake and or exercise habits, something else might be going on.
Unintentional or unexplained weight loss can be a cause for concern. It may be indicative of a medical underlying condition. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight— more than 5 percent of your weight — within 6 to 12 months. In addition, take note of any other symptoms to talk over with your medical provider. Remember, not all weight loss is serious but should be properly evaluated. Unintentional weight loss can happen after a life-changing or stressful event. However, unintentional weight loss may be a sign of something sinister. Unintentional weight loss may lead to unwelcome conditions such as: muscle wasting, a weakened immune system that may cause decreased immunocompetence, depression and an increased rate of disease complications
Causes of Unintentional Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is often the result of an underlying chronic medical condition. However, short-term illnesses such as influenza or the common cold can also cause weightloss. Other common causes of unintentional weight loss include side effects from medication such as nausea and vomiting, alcohol abuse, depression, diarrhea, oral ulcers, and viral infections that can affect one’s appetite.
More serious cause for unintentional weight loss includes various cancers, cardiac disorders, hyperthyroidism, abdominal infection, gastroenteritis, dementia, celiac disease, and AIDS/HIV.
Long periods of weight loss can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition occurs when you aren’t consuming a proper amount of nutrients. This can be especially true for those with a digestive disorder such as celiac disease, which affects how the body absorbs nutrients.
Symptoms of Unintentional Weight Loss
Depending on what caused the weight loss, symptoms vary widely. You may notice a change in the way your clothes fit, or in the shape of your face since that is an area where many people can see initial weight loss effects. However, some people are unaware that they’ve lost weight until they weigh themselves or notice a change in the way their clothing fits. Unintentional weight loss due to an illness may occur along with fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Certain medications can cause unintentional weight loss as a side effect. If you’re on any medication and experience noticeable weight loss, consult with your medical provider.
Diagnosing Unintentional Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is a symptom of many conditions. Your medical provider should go over your symptoms and any recent lifestyle changes you’ve made to know exactly what’s causing the weight loss. There are four most basic causes for unintentional weight loss: anorexia, dysphagia, socioeconomic factors, and weight loss despite normal intake. Try to keep track of your weight loss and if possible, document the unset, amount, triggers etc. Also, make a note of any associated symptoms you experienced around the time of the weight loss. This will give your medical provider useful information that can help in making a clinical diagnosis.
Questions usually asked during the evaluation is geared towards obtaining information about the weight loss itself, these may include but not limited to: Have you changed your diet? Have you had a recent illness? Have you recently traveled out of the country? Are you less energetic than usual? Have you had any digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation? Have you started taking any new medications?
If your medical provider feels that your diet or a digestive disorder is the etiology for your weight loss, they may do a nutritional assessment inclusive of blood work. Treatment should be according to the evaluation.
Treatment Options for Unintentional Weight Loss
If you have a nutritional deficiency, medical provider may refer you to a dietitian or devise a diet plan that helps to correct the deficiency. A deficiency due to a digestive disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease, may require consultation with a gastroenterologist or a specialized diet during times of inflammation to help you get the nutrients you need.
Your medical provider will likely prescribe medication if a hormonal disorder is causing unintentional weight loss. You can correct unintentional weight loss due to general illnesses such as influenza, the common cold, or food poisoning with bed rest, an increase in fluids, and medications used to settle the stomach, and by getting back on your normal diet when you are feeling better. If your medical provider suspects that your unintentional weight loss may be due to a more serious illness, such as cancer, you may need to undergo other diagnostic test to further ascertain the etiology of the weight loss.
To discuss more your desire to shed pounds AND keep your body healthy, schedule a FREE Consultation with Shedloss at the AuVan clinic at 239-799-7219. Yes, shed it and forget it! We specialize in medically supervised concierge and basic weight loss programs that will help you look and feel your best. The AuVan Clinic is located at 4270 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 201 in Naples.
Aubrey Fulton APRN
Aubrey is a graduate with honors from South University, fully licensed, autonomous board-certified Nurse Practitioner, who brings to the community, his wealth of knowledge. With over 21 years of nursing experience, he provides a unique clinical experience, enhanced by his diverse background in nursing. He is committed to act as a patient advocate, and practice medicine with a holistic approach.
Aubrey has served in the community as a nurse educator and was recognized as Nurse Mentor of the Year by NCH Healthcare System in 2015. Aubrey has been successful in creating a personalized, concierge weight loss and management program which aims at not only weight loss, but a total body health and wellness.
AUVAN
4270 Tamiami Trail East, STE 201
Naples, FL, 34112, US
239.799.7219