Losing weight is a difficult and depressive process. You may not see results as quickly as you'd like, and when you do, they may not be the same as you were hoping for.
But sometimes one may experience sudden loss in weight which could be an indication of an underlying health condition that requires experts' attention and treatment.
Identify unexplained or sudden weight loss
When you suddenly start dropping significant weight without even trying, it's known as unexplained weight loss. It indicates that you are shedding kilos without dieting, working out, or exercising.
You should seek medical attention if you lose more than 4kgs within six to twelve months since this is not normal.
Weight loss can also be a side effect of certain medications but certain underlying issues could be:
Overactive thyroid
If you've recently lost a significant amount of weight and can't seem to explain it, it could be due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck region that secretes hormones that control the body's metabolism. An overactive thyroid gland produces too many of these hormones, resulting in weight loss, among other symptoms. This condition is also known as hyperthyroidism.
Diabetes
When you have diabetes, your body can't efficiently utilise the insulin either it does manufacture it or doesn't make enough of it. Instead of energy being used, this results in sugar building up in your system. One of the symptoms of diabetes is weight loss. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the two primary subtypes. Juvenile diabetes, or type 1 diabetes, is often discovered in children and young people. Diabetes type 2, which is the more prevalent kind, often strikes adults.
While weight loss is a common symptom of both kinds of Diabetes, it’s not the only one. Other symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or bruises that heal slowly.
HIV/AIDS
Although it is a viral illness, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevents your body's immune system from effectively warding off infections and viruses. HIV weight loss, also known as HIV wasting syndrome, is a sudden loss of more than 10% of body weight accompanied by diarrhea, weakness, and a fever that lasts longer than 30 days. With more advanced HIV, weight loss of this kind frequently happens. Reduction of lean body mass (LBM) is common, although weight loss can also include body fat.
Cancer
Losing weight suddenly is one of the symptoms of cancer, as the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy. It can also be caused by other factors such as stress or a change in diet, so it's important to see your doctor if you're concerned.
Cancer is a serious disease that should not be ignored. If you experience any suspicious symptoms, see an oncologist. Early detection is key for successful treatment.
Depression
If you're suddenly losing weight and you can't figure out the reason, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can cause a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. If you're depressed, you may not feel like eating or you may not be able to eat as much as you normally do. Weight loss can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat depression.
Conclusion
Unexpected weight loss is commonly a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs to be diagnosed. It's crucial to visit the doctor in this to improve your health and encourage healthy weight reduction. Sarvodaya Hospital is the place to go if you're seeking specialists from a variety of faculties. They feature cutting-edge treatment facilities and an unrivaled degree of experience. Schedule a consultation with them to get guidance from the greatest, most qualified medical professionals.
