Tagbilaran City – Losing weight without dieting or increasing exercise is known as unintentional weight loss. That could happen when you lose your appetite or when you're eating the same number of calories as normal.

Unintentional weight loss can be very upsetting, especially if you don't know why you lost a fair amount of weight. Unintentional weight loss may be a symptom of a more serious disease or condition, or it may be as simple as a stomach virus. Those with pre-existing medical issues such as depression, AIDS, and cancer are the ones who often lose weight unintentionally.

Signs of unintentional weight loss

• Consuming fewer calories than usual or skipping meals.
• Having trouble enjoying your favorite meals.
• Your clothes, jewelry, belt buckle, or dentures are becoming loose.
• Your face is looking drawn.

Causes unintentional weight loss
An underlying chronic medical problem is frequently the cause of unintentional weight loss. Yet, transient illnesses like the flu or the common cold can also make you lose weight because of abdominal discomfort.

Depression, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and viral infections like the common cold that can impact appetite are typical reasons for unintended weight loss. Cancer, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), a stomach infection, gastroenteritis, dementia, celiac disease, and HIV or AIDS are some additional, less frequent causes of unintended weight loss.

Chronic weight loss might result in malnutrition. When you don't get enough nutrients in your diet, malnutrition occurs. This may be particularly true for people who suffer from a digestive condition like celiac disease, which impairs vitamin absorption.

When should I consult a physician regarding unintentional weight loss?
If you have dropped more than 5% of your body weight or 10 pounds without attempting to over the course of six to twelve months, you should see a doctor. This is crucial especially if you also experience other symptoms. // DMO II Jenelyn A. Guillena



Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss-unintentional
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17770-unexplained-weight-loss