Unexplained weight loss and what it can mean for your health

It may seem counterintuitive, but losing weight without even trying may not be a good thing.

“It's not common to have a noticeable weight loss without changing how much you eat, being more physically active, or trying to lose weight,” says registered dietitian Christine Goukasian.

“Unexplained weight loss is a red flag,” she added in a press release.

From day to day, weight varies by a pound or two due to hormones, water retention and other factors. Anything else could indicate an underlying health problem – from cancer and gastrointestinal disorders to mental health disorders.

“Weight loss becomes a problem when it amounts to 10 pounds or at least 5% of your original weight over a period of six to 12 months,” says Goukasian, senior dietitian at the UCLA Division of Clinical Nutrition.

And older adults, especially those living in communities, are at higher risk. As many as two in ten people lose weight unexpectedly – ​​a proportion that rises to six in ten in community housing, where people are more likely to have health problems that lead to unintentional weight loss.

More than a third of people who have no trouble consulting their doctor about losing weight have undiagnosed cancer.

According to UCLA, it is the leading cause of unintentional weight loss, and about four in 10 cancer diagnoses begin this way. And losing weight isn't just a sign of advanced cancer. Weight loss has been reported in patients with early-stage cancers of the colon, pancreas, and lungs, so it is important to see a doctor when weight begins to decrease unexpectedly.

Between 10% and 20% of unexpected weight loss is due to gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or laxative overuse (often due to an eating disorder).

In addition to eating disorders, mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and stress can also affect appetite.

“If you're not so interested in eating or sleeping that you skip meals, you're going to lose weight,” Goukasian said, adding that some medications used to treat mental disorders can affect appetite, taste and smell and cause nausea.

However, these are not the only culprits, she says. Others include dementia; thyroid disorders; diabetes; gum disease; as well as swallowing problems or a condition that makes eating uncomfortable. Financial problems or problems getting enough food can also play a role.

“Not all weight loss is due to a life-threatening illness,” Goukasian said. “Often the underlying cause is treatable or manageable.”

That's why people who have lost a worrying amount of weight should tell their doctor. He or she may do a physical and mental health exam, blood and urine tests, and imaging to rule out possible causes.

“Identifying an underlying cause of unexplained weight loss can be challenging and may require many diagnostic tests and time,” Goukasian said. “But most importantly, be proactive about your health and pay attention to your body.”

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