What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss And Fatigue

Spotting The Difference: Weight Loss In Leukaemia Vs Healthy Weight Loss

Read on to spot the difference between harmless and harmful weight loss and to stand a better chance of diagnosing leukaemia early.

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Healthy weight loss is normally a matter of choice. Ideally, it follows a change in lifestyle such as a conscious effort to improve your diet or exercise routine. However, significant unexplained weight loss that comes without a change in lifestyle may be a sign of an underlying medial disorder such as leukaemia. In fact, according to our most recent patient survey, around 19% of leukaemia patients reported weight loss as a major symptom that lead to their diagnosis.

Read on to spot the difference between harmless and harmful weight loss and to stand a better chance of diagnosing leukaemia early.

Fatigue Muscle Weakness And Weight Loss

• Medical Author: Dan Brennan, MD

Reviewed on 6/15/2020

These symptoms are present in a wide variety of medical processes, including low calcium levels, exercise-related and other medical conditions. Rapid onset of these symptoms may require urgent or emergency care. If you find that your symptoms are persisting, then you should reach out to your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

First Whats Considered Rapid Weight Loss

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The more insidious reason is dramatic weight loss inflammation in the gut affects how nutrients are absorbed and lead to cases of malnutrition. COPD is treated with medication, respiratory rehabilitation, and nutrition counseling. Given that stress-eating is such a common culprit of unplanned weight-gain, no diet should be attempted without also adopting stress management habits like meditation. As the disease advances, patients become more undernourished and need a high calorie diet. But when weight loss is rapid and unintended, it can signal a worrisome underlying condition. How do inflammatory conditions affect your weight?

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Cause of dramatic weight loss Stories. Healthy lifestyle campaigns have always emphasised the need to keep our weight within an acceptable range, and for good reason. You dramaric start by asking yourself the following four questions:. Signs of malnourishment include: Physical appearance bones of the ribs and shoulders visible Gastrointestinal issues odorous gas and inconsistent bowel movements Low energy levels Susceptibility to illness 2. Dog Spay Recovery: What to Expect. Read full article.

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Causes Of Weight Loss In People With Cancer

Weight loss often starts with appetite loss. The underlying cancer and treatment-related side effects that may cause appetite loss are:

• Changes in metabolism. Metabolism is the bodys process of breaking down food and turning it into energy.

• Nausea and vomiting

• Depression

• Pain

Talk with your health care team about any symptoms you have. Tell them about new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

Weight Loss Versus Cachexia

Weight loss and cancer cachexia are different. Cachexia is a syndrome that is caused by the underlying cancer. Although weight loss is part of cachexia, it is not associated with the increased metabolism that occurs with cachexia. Therefore, weight loss as part of cachexia does not always improve with more calories.

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You Have A Gut Disease

Diseases of the bowel will generally include some sort of additional symptoms, like decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal bloating/pain or change in bowel habit, says Cory Fisher, DO, family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic.

Some examples include inflammatory bowel disease , celiac disease, and chronic liver disease. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for diagnosis, which usually requires imaging studies or endoscopy.

How Is Unexplained Weight Loss Diagnosed

To diagnose your weight loss, your doctor will give you a physical examination and ask you such questions as:

• How much weight have you lost?
• When did the weight loss begin?
• Are you taking any medications?
• Have your eating patterns changed?
• Are you exercising more?
• Are you depressed?
• How much alcohol do you drink per day?

The answers to these questions will help your doctor determine if other tests might be needed, such as blood work and imaging scans .

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How Should A Patient With Unintentional Weight Loss Be Assessed

A chart review of 10 000 patients in seven family practice centres in the southeastern United States, where 45 patients were identified as having substantial, unexplained weight loss, showed that a comprehensive history and physical examination have the greatest potential for eliciting the cause or causes of weight loss. Information about potential physiologic, psychological and social factors may prove vital to determining the cause as well as to the outcome . All current prescribed and over-the-counter medications should be reviewed.

Although testing should be directed toward areas of concern based on the history and physical examination, tests found to be of highest yield in identifying potential causes include stool hemoccult, barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series, endoscopy and thyroid function tests. Computed tomographic screening offers no further information. In institutionalized older adults, hemoglobin level, total cholesterol and albumin are useful in making the diagnosis. There are a few studies that have looked at TNF- levels, cerebrospinal fluid concentration of amino acids, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels, and plasma and cerebrospinal fluid neuropeptide levels. However, these levels have limited value within routine clinical practice.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Alter Your Appetite And Cause Painful Swelling

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints.

Board-certified cardiologist and weight management specialist Dr. Luiza Petretold INSIDER that inflammatory conditions where your immune system mistakenly assaults your healthy tissues can alter your appetite, causing you to lose weight. Conditions like this can also cause inflammation in the gut, which Petre said interferes with the absorption of nutrients, potentially leading to unexplained weight loss.

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How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

What Is Considered Unintended Weight Loss

According to Mayo Clinic, the point at which you should become concerned about unexpected weight loss isn’t exact. However, if someone has lost 5% of their body weight over a timeframe of 6-12 months, healthcare professionals typically recommend a medical evaluation, this may include blood tests and a physical examination.

Remember, it can be natural to lose a noticeable amount of weight after a stressful event in your life, however, there may be another underlying cause. If you’re concerned about sudden weight loss or have experienced a significant weight loss unintentionally, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Remember, if you are concerned that you have lost weight without trying and you are experiencing other symptoms, its important to reach out to your healthcare provider for insight. If you would like to check for some of the above conditions or your general health, you can do so with your doctor or from home with an at-home lab test.

References

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About Weight Loss And Fatigue

According to Ralph Gonzales and Paul L. Nadler in “Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment,” fatigue generally falls into one of three categories: generalized weakness, or problems beginning tasks easy tiring after beginning a task and mental fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Weight loss is generally one of two types: voluntary weight loss, which is associated with diet and exercise, is not medically concerning involuntary weight loss, which is a loss of at least 5 percent of a person’s body weight over at least six months when he is not trying to lose weight, is medically concerning.

What Assessment And Tests May Be Done

Your doctor is likely to ask various questions. He or she may actually uncover other symptoms that you were either unaware of or did not think were significant. He or she may also examine you. Tests, such as blood tests, may or may not be appropriate. Following a doctor’s assessment, the likely cause may be clear and your doctor will advise on what to do next.

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Why Unexplained Weight Loss Should Be Diagnosed

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Weight loss is widely believed to be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. Most people lose weight when they increase their levels of physical activity and lower their calorie intake. However, there are also some who lose weight without making any intentional or conscious effort. In many cases, unexplained weight loss happens after a life-changing or stressful event such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, etc. It can also be a result of an underlying medical condition. For this reason, it is important to know more about the potential causes and consequences of unexplained weight loss.

What Is Considered Rapid Weight Loss In General

Know that its completely normal to fluctuate anywhere from two to five pounds during any given week, Zellner says. Rapid weight loss, however, is generally considered losing more than 5 percent of your body weight over the course of six to 12 months, Zellner says.

Rapid weight loss is generally considered losing more than 5 percent of your body weight over the course of six to 12 months.

Even if you are actually trying to lose weight, for whatever reason, one to two pounds per week is considered a safe rate of weight loss. Losing more than that is considered too fast and could put you at risk of many health problems, including muscle loss, gallstones, nutritional deficiencies and a drop in metabolism, Zellner says. Noted.

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/76 Causes Of Unexplained Weight Loss That You Should Be Concerned About

Have you ever lost weight even when there was no significant change in your lifestyle? Weight fluctuation is natural but when theres 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.

When Should I Be Concerned

For many people, unintentional weight loss is welcomed as a good thing. However, this is definitely the wrong attitude to have, as more often than not there is an underlying condition responsible.

I was also losing a bit of weight which, like most people out there, I thought was a great thing.

For this reason, it is important to visit your doctor, even if you feel healthy or think you can explain your weight loss with stress or a pre-existing medical condition. Your GP will be able to run any precautionary tests to check for a cause and thereby rule out leukaemia or crucially, give an early diagnosis.

Make sure to push for a blood test if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms of leukaemia. Knowing what other symptoms are typical of leukaemia is crucial for helping you make the decision to visit your GP sooner for a blood test. Connect the dots between the symptoms of leukaemia and spot leukaemia sooner.

For information on the other symptoms of leukaemia, click here.

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About Unintentional Weight Loss

It is often normal to lose a noticeable amount of weight after, for example, the stress of changing jobs, divorce, redundancy or bereavement.

Weight often returns to normal when you begin to feel happier. This can be after you’ve had time to grieve or get used to the change.

Counselling and support may be needed to help you get to this stage. If you think you might need help in coping with stress, seek advice or speak to your GP.

Significant weight loss can also be the result of an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia.

If you think you may have anorexia, try to seek help as soon as possible.

You could start by talking to a person you trust, such as a member of your family or a friend. You could perhaps ask them to go with you to see your GP.

There are also several organisations you can talk to for information and advice, such as the eating disorders charity Eating Disorders Association.

If your weight loss wasn’t due to the above causes, and you didn’t lose weight through dieting or exercising, see your GP. This is because you may have a health condition that needs to be treated.

Is Weight Loss A Symptom Of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer may cause weight loss because the cancerous cells are using up much of the body’s energy supplies. Cancerous cells can grow quickly, impacting the body’s normal functions. Some cancer cells may also produce substances that change the way the body creates energy from food that is eaten .1,2

Weight loss that occurs with blood cancers and other cancers may also be caused by a lack of appetite. When appetite is lessened, people eat less than usual, and weight loss can occur.1

Weight loss is also commonly seen during treatment of blood cancers, as some treatments can cause side effects of nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, or a change in how foods taste. Some people undergoing treatment for blood cancer may also experience depression, and depression can cause a lack of interest in food, which can lead to weight loss.1

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How Much Weight Loss Is A Concern

These viruses have different causes and possible therapies, but weight loss is a common symptom of all three. Dog Cauae Recovery: What to Expect. As you get older, your sense of smell and taste might change, says MayoClinic. Most fruit and vegetables are rich in fibre, and so are legumes such as beans and peas. Top 10 Reasons for Weight Loss in Dogs Dogs, like people, are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to diagnosing the issues affecting their health.

Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes drsmatic joint pain. Drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates are appetite suppressants. Graves’ disease H. Here are some healthy ways to. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. This content does not have an English version.

Side Effects Of Medications

• Anti-anxiety drugs These medications target hormones and chemicals in the brain, and can cause decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss.
• Antibiotics These medications eliminate disease-causing bacteria and can cause short-term effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Anti-cancer drugs Weight loss is common when treating cancer since chemotherapy or radiation therapy often result in appetite loss, nausea and vomiting.
• Cardiovascular drugs Antiplatelet drugs, often used to treat coronary heart disease, can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain that leads to weight loss.
• Stimulants Some stimulants, such as phentermine and topiramate , can cause decreased appetite and weight loss.

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Nick Robinson And Lung Cancer

The illnesses mentioned above are just a handful of the many causes of unexplained weight loss, some more serious than others. Either way, its best to seek medical help and use the Isabel Symptom Checker to research possible diagnoses. The query below reveals the cause of the symptoms which affected the BBC News reporter, Nick Robinson who, having suffered from a persistent cough was referred to a specialist. It was only by chance that Robinson mentioned hed bought himself a new suit, having unintentionally gone down a suit size.

Luckily for him, the consultant made the connection between his cough and weight loss and diagnosed lung cancer in time for successful treatment. In cases similar to that of Nick Robinson, it is important to think about the causes of unexplained weight loss before simply accepting, or even celebrating, the change. Use the Isabel Symptom Checker to input all your symptoms and research the results to discuss with your healthcare provider.

What Is The Prognosis For Those With Unintentional Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss of more than 4% in a year appears to be an independent predictor of increased mortality . In a prospective study of 41 836 women, conducted in the United States as part of the Iowa Womens Health Study, one or more episodes of unintentional weight loss of more than 20 pounds during adulthood was associated with a 46%57% higher rate of death. A prospective study of 4869 male patients older than 65 years from general practices in 24 towns across the United Kingdom found that unintentional weight loss was associated with higher mortality risk only among those with cancer after adjustment for lifestyle characteristics and pre-existing disease. A retrospective chart review of 148 long-term care residents residing in the southeastern United States found that those who lost 5% or more of their body weight within one month were 4.6 times more likely to die within one year.

Unintentional weight loss appears to be associated with an increased risk of death among both older adults living in care facilties and community-dwelling older adults. In general, the impact on life expectancy of treating the weight loss remains unclear.

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