6 causes of unexplained weight loss that you should be concerned about

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Have you ever lost weight even when there was no significant change in your lifestyle? Weight fluctuation is natural but when there’s the fluctuation of at least or more than 5 per cent over a period of 6-12 months, it becomes a matter of concern. Now usually a person is concerned when he gains weight but why not the other way around? Losing weight without even trying or unexplained weight loss can be an indication of an underlying problem, which requires the consultation of a doctor. Below are some of the causes which can explain the reason for your unexplained weight loss so that you can take help from your doctor as soon as possible.

Overactive thyroid or Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone that controls many functions of the body including metabolism, it can show symptoms like weight loss. When you have hyperthyroidism, you burn calories quickly no matter if you have a good appetite also. The other symptoms of this condition also include fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty in sleeping, light periods in women, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat and mood swings as well.

Pancreatitis
Pancreas produces enzymes that aid in digestion and when a problem occurs with your pancreas, it can lead to unexplained weight loss. People with chronic pancreatitis (a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed) lose weight quickly because their body is unable to produce enough enzymes for proper digestion to occur. Other symptoms also include stomach pain, diarrhoea, or nausea after eating fatty foods.

Diabetes
It can be another reason for your unexplained weight loss as when a person has diabetes, his/her body is either unable to make insulin (a hormone that turns blood sugar into energy) or is unable to use it the way it needs to be. In this case, when your cells run out of fuel, your body starts burning fat causing you to lose weight. Other symptoms also include you being thirsty, tired, hungry or pee more than usual.

Muscle loss
If you lose muscle, you’ll lose weight which can happen if you don’t use muscles for a while. Commonly muscle loss or muscle wasting can be seen in people who don’t exercise, work desk jobs or are bedridden. Exercise and proper nutrition generally reverse muscle loss. Other symptoms of the same include, injuries, ageing, burns, nerve damage, stroke and others.

Depression
Clinical depression mostly results in loss of appetite leading you to unexplained weight loss. And when a person is mired in depression, a lot of times weight loss just goes unnoticed creating problems in the near future for that person. According to studies, it is found out that depression usually suppresses interplay among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands which affects the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Changes in these glands affect adrenal glands which produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, blood glucose level and metabolism, hence leading to weight loss.

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