Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are not engaged in any form of exercise or weight loss program but you notice that you are losing weight and your weight loss is significant or persistent, there is a possibility that it must be due to an underlying medical disorder.

What factors can affect your weight?

Your weight is affected by your calorie intake, activity level, overall health, age, nutrient absorption, and economic and social factors.

What is unexplained weight loss?

Unexplained weight loss is also called unintentional or involuntary weight loss. The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic agree that a medical evaluation is called for if you lose more than 5% of your weight in a period of six months to a year, especially if you’re an older adult.

What are the possible causes of unexplained weight loss?

The authors and editors of Taylor’s Manual of Family Medicine, 4th edition (2014) listed down the possible causes of unexplained weight loss. The mnemonic for unintentional or unexplained weight loss is “WEIGHT LOSS MD.”

W – wasting disease (example: cancer, AIDS)

E – eating problems or disorders (anorexia nervosa, inability to feed self, change in diet or appetite)

I – income deprivation

G – gastrointestinal problems (parasitic infestation, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. ulcerative colitis)

H – hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hyperparathyroidism, hypoadrenalism

T – toxic substances (substance abuse disorders, alcohol, laxatives, illicit drugs)

L – low calorie diet (self-imposed diet, commercial weight loss programs)

O – oral problems (sores, ulcers, dental caries, poor dentition or dentures)

S – swallowing disorders (parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy)

S – social problems (stress, isolation)

M – medication side effects or metabolic conditions (diabetes, hypercalcemia, thyroid disorders)

D – depression and other psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, e.g. pathologic gambling)

How is unexplained weight loss medically addressed?

Before any form of treatment is done on your unexplained weight loss, the cause or causes should be uncovered through careful medical history. You have to do your part by telling your doctor about your concerns. Laboratory tests may be necessary.