Weight loss is a serious problem, especially if it happens without any effort. Here are some common reasons why it might be happening. Full text article - http://heartsense.in/losing-weight-for-no-reason-heres-why/
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.
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.
