Everybody wants to lose weight. But sometimes, it may just so happen that despite not doing anything, you still lose a lot of weight.
You are not dieting and nor do you work out to lose weight. But you are losing weight quickly. Well, initially, you may even be thrilled by this and not at all concerned.
But then, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are two of the commonest symptoms you will experience with a progressive illness.
There are many possible causes of sudden weight loss and some of which might be caused due to a serious illness.
Here are 7 common conditions that cause unexplained weight loss.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which you may have high blood glucose levels (blood sugar) either because sufficient insulin is not produced in your body or because your body does not respond properly to insulin, or even both..
Symptoms: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, intense hunger, weight gain (type-2 diabetes), significant and sudden weight loss (especially in type-1 diabetes), fatigue, cuts and bruises not healing properly, numbness or tingling in feet and hands.
2. Depression
Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.
Symptoms: Not sleeping or sleeping too much, difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness and /or helplessness, irritable, suicidal, significant and sudden weight loss.
3. Overactive thyroid
The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroid which regulates your body s metabolism, for example, your heart rate, how quickly you burn calories, and digestion. Thyroid gland also produces a hormone calcitonin that regulates the level of calcium in your blood. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (overactive), the condition is called hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms: Palpitations, fast and irregular heartbeat, hot flushes and increased sweating, sudden weight loss, shortness of breath, panic attacks, gritty and bulging eyes, fatigue, mood swings, infertility or decreased libido.
4. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can also affect the kidneys, spine or brain. The disease can be treated with a six-month course of antibiotics.
Symptoms: Coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever and night sweats.
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. The airflow can be blocked by an inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs, which is called chronic bronchitis. When the air sacs in the lungs are gradually destroyed making breathing difficult it is called emphysema.
Symptoms: The symptoms are mainly wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, lips or fingernail beds becoming blue, tiredness and unexplained weight loss in the later stages.
6. Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea and even malnutrition.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, reduced appetite and weight loss, fatigue, blood in the stool and ulcers.
7. Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a hormonal disorder in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient amount of hormones, cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. It can affect all age groups and both genders.
Symptoms: Weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure and muscle weakness.
