For some people, losing weight suddenly could create a perfect dream scenario, but the truth is that sudden weight loss could have something deeper, health-wise, hidden underneath. Gradually losing weight due to lifestyle change is something that happens and may be considered normal, but it raises eyebrows when there is a huge loss of weight in a matter of days without any conscious effort. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss or have a friend who does, then you may want to know what is happening and if there’s any possible indication for needing medical attention.
What Do You Consider as Sudden Weight Loss?
In general, the sudden loss of weight can be defined as a case in which the body’s weight drops over six to twelve months by more than 5% without any change in diet and exercise. For instance, if you weigh around 150 pounds and you notice that you have lost between 7 to 8 pounds and that weight does not get back in touch after some time, that could be a cause of concern. Fluctuation in weight may be natural, but if the weight loss trend persists, it could indicate some underlying condition.
Sudden Weight Loss Causes
1. Thyroid Disorders
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) increases metabolism and causes inadvertent weight loss. Increased appearance of heart rate, increased cold sweating, some degree of nervousness, and increased appetite.
2. Diabetes
Weight loss for no reason at all becomes one of the first indicators of diabetes. The body is unable to use glucose properly, so the body has to break down muscles and fat to use them for energy, which results in losing weight, although one has an increased appetite.
3. Gastrointestinal Tracts.
Crohn’s, coeliac disease, or sometimes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)- these are all conditions that affect the ability of the body to absorb nutrients and these sudden unexpected weight changes can be an indicator of malnutrition and deficiencies.
4. Cancer
Sudden weight loss is sometimes the very first noticeable symptom of cancer. Cells may undergo metabolic changes; they may lose their appetite, or the body may process more energy to combat the disease.
5. Prolonged Stress or Depressive Conditions
Heavily impact appetite and metabolism. It may lead to drastic weight changes either due to loss of appetite or changes in acquired eating habits triggered by constant stress.
6. Infection and Autoimmunity.
Weight loss also occurs because of the increase in inflammation and metabolic changes in chronic infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS, and the autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Medication-related Side Effects
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, antidepressants, stimulants, and so on, also work rather well to suppress the appetite or open a door through which the digestive system is rendered faulty, leading to unexplained weight loss.
You may want to see a doctor for unexplained weight loss if it drops rapidly. Here are some symptoms to complain about that need to be seen by a medical professional urgently:
Chronic tiredness and weakness
Abdominal symptoms with prolonged diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Sustained fever and/or night sweats with no apparent cause.
Anorexia or difficulty swallowing
Muscle wasting or noticeable loss of muscle mass
It would not be too far-fetched to say that sudden loss of weight outright points towards deep health problems; thus, early detection is to be preferred for timely intervention and possible complication prevention.
Management of Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss might trigger any of the following behaviors:
1. Food- and Symptom-Counting.
This will help the doctors study the approximate cause.
2. Caloric Load-up.
Unexplained weight loss may be due to decreased appetite or malabsorption. Therefore, eat well: lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
3. Reduce Stress and Mental Health
When stress or depression is the reason, learning to relax, psychotherapy, or some medical intervention usually will put a stop to any further weight loss.
4. Obtain Medical Assistance.
The doctor will then carry out some investigations to further define the cause and devise a putative treatment plan or lifestyle adjustment.
Conclusion
Some loss of a few pounds will not shock normal people, but acute loss of weight indicates serious medical implications that require immediate deterrent measures. Observing the other signs very thoroughly and promptly seeking medical advice could be a matter of health management. If you have or know of someone who has experienced acute weight loss, then she should go to the doctor because her body is telling the doctor that there is trouble brewing. Health information is the most rudimentary block for any decent state of health. If this article has been helpful now, then do share it among those who also need this pillar! 💙.