Losing Weight For Unexplained Reasons - Dr Vivek Baliga Patient Presentation
- 1. HERE ISWHYYOU ARE LOSINGWEIGHT FOR NO REASON. DrVivek Baliga Consultant Physician View Profile Here
- 2. Introduction ■ There are many of us who wish to lose weight.We would like to slim and trim and fairly fit. ■ Voluntary weight loss through a strict diet and exercise plan is always rewarding.The feeling we get when we have dropped that weight through efforts of our own is always one of elation. ■ However, when we begin to lose weight for now reason, that's when it starts to get worrying. ■ Before I discuss why you might be experiencing unexplained weight loss, here is a brief look at the types of weight loss.
- 3. Types OfWeight Loss 2Types of Weight Loss Healthy Only Fat Loss Unhealthy Fat + Muscle loss
- 4. WhenToWorry? ■ When should you worry about how much weight you are losing? ■ It is advised generally that a 5% decrease in body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months is of concern.This is when you have made no attempt to lose weight. ■ Say for example you are 80 kg in weight. If you do not exercise and fail to follow a health diet, then it is unlikely that you will lose weight. ■ If one day you notice that your weight has been decreasing gradually, then alarms bells should ring. If you are suddenly around 75 kg, then make an appointment with your doctor.
- 5. Thyroid Disease ■ The increasing quantities of the hormone can cause muscle and fat breakdown, leading to unhealthy weight loss. ■ Once a blood test confirms hyperthyroidism, medical therapy in the form of tablets or radioactive iodine may be prescribed.
- 6. Diabetes Mellitus ■ In diabetes, the blood contains excessive glucose that fails to provide energy and nourishment to muscles and vital organs. ■ Due to this, the muscles become smaller and the body weight starts to reduce. ■ People with new onset diabetes may not even experience any symptoms.Tiredness and weight loss tend to be more common, but are absent most of the time.
- 7. Depression ■ Depression can be due to a number of reasons. Reactive depression may be due to the loss of a loved one or due to an unsolvable financial situation. ■ Depression can also be organic, where no reason for it is identified. ■ Interestingly, depression can be accompanied by either an increase in appetite (more common) or a loss of appetite.The latter leads to weight loss. ■ Depression can be a part of a spectrum of other conditions. For example, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is usually accompanied by low mood. ■ The good news is that depression can be treated and even cured.There is no shame in seeking psychiatric help.
- 8. Cancer ■ Cancer can affect almost any part of the body, though the common ones that are seen are prostate cancer (men) and breast cancer (women). ■ Accompanying symptoms can indicate the site of the cancer. ■ Cancer is important to pick up early.The earlier it is caught, the better is the outcome.
- 9. Alcohol Abuse ■ Alcohol addicts begin to enjoy only alcohol as a source of food, and completely ignore eating healthier foods as a part of their daily diet. ■ This means that they have poorer nutrition and this can lead to loss of muscle mass and body fat. ■ Over a period of time, this can lead to significant weight loss.
- 10. Infections ■ Certain infections that persist for long periods of time can lead to loss of weight for no reason. ■ One well recognised cause of weight loss in India and some other parts of the world is tuberculosis, orTB.While it can affect any part of the body,TB often affects the lungs. ■ InTB, the bacteria begin to eat up all the nutrients in the body.The condition is accompanied by low grade fever and weight loss.Additional symptoms may also be seen.
- 11. HIV / AIDS ■ The problem with this condition is that it leads to lowering of immunity.When immunity drops, there is a greater chance of developing infections that can eat away at your energy and make you lose weight. ■ While the presence of the virus itself is of no concern, the health problems that it brings with it are significant.The bottomline is that the virus attacks immune cells called CD4 cells, reducing their levels in the blood stream. ■ CD4 immune cells are the body’s soldiers. Low CD4 cells counts mean the body has no ability to fight infections.
- 12. Dementia ■ As you lose your memory, there is a chance you will lose some weight as well. In the medical world, this weight loss is called cachexia. ■ A loss of around 5% of body weight in someone with memory loss is significant.This may be accompanied by loss in appetite as well. ■ The weight loss may be that of lowering body fat or reducing size of muscles. ■ People with dementia who are losing weight need constant encouragement to eat. Increasing the carbohydrate and protein intake can help keep muscles and bones healthy.