Losing weight is a goal for a lot of us, but some people experience unexplained weight loss, which can be dangerous. In order for you to be healthy, it’s important to maintain weight that is appropriate for your height. Weighing too much or too little can have a significant and negative affect on your health.
Unexplained weight loss happens when you lose weight without adjusting your diet and physical activity level. It means that you did not change how much you eat and how many calories you spend (through physical activities), but you are still losing weight. This is often a sign of a serious health issue that needs to be addressed.
Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss
There are a variety of reasons why you may experience unexplained weight loss. They include:
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone called thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can affect your body’s weight because it can accelerate your metabolism which causes unexplained weight loss. Managing your thyroid condition with a help of a doctor can help you take control of your symptoms, including the weight loss.
Diabetes
Diabetes 1 is a condition in which the immune system attacks the pancreas and prevents it from making insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating glucose (sugar) in the body. When you do not have good insulin regulation, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as frequent urination, dehydration, fatigue, and weight loss.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can involve a lot of symptoms but sudden weight loss, malnutrition, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea are most common. A doctor can help you manage your condition through medications and lifestyle changes so you experience less symptoms.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disease that is triggered when individuals who are unable to digest gluten consume it. The indigestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. The small intestine has villi (small projections) that promote nutrient absorption. Celiac disease damages the villi which leads to inadequate nutrient absorption. As a result, you can experience a nutrient deficiency and weight loss.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, it’s important to talk to a doctor. An accurate diagnosis can help you get the right treatment for the underlying condition causing the weight loss.
Unexplained Weight Loss Treatment in Irmo, South Carolina
Unexplained weight loss is almost always caused by an underlying condition that needs treatment. To make sure you get the right treatment, talk to a qualified doctor who can perform a physical exam and tests to find the root cause of your weight loss.
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, LLC in Irmo, South Carolina, our experts can provide you with quality medical care. With our state-of-the-art services and superior patient-centered care, the specialists in SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation can help you with any health problem, including unexplained weight loss.
Set up an appointment today by calling (803) 749-1111. You can also request an appointment online.
