Weight loss - unintentional Health Article

Definition

Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. In other words, you did not try to loss the weight by dieting or exercising.

See: Intentional weight loss

Alternative Names

Loss of weight

Common Causes

There are many causes of unintentional weight loss. Some are listed below:

• AIDS
• Cancer
• Depression
• Diarrhea that is chronic (lasts a long time)
• Drugs, including amphetamines, chemotherapy drugs, laxatives (when abused), and thyroid medications
• Drug abuse
• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Infection
• Loss of appetite
• Malnutrition
• Manipulative behavior (in children)
• Painful mouth sores, mouth braces, or a loss of teeth that prevent you from eating normally
• Smoking

Note: This list may not be all inclusive

Home Care

Practice moderation and maintain a balanced diet and exercise program. For weight loss caused by oral or dental problems, see the dentist. For weight loss caused by disease, follow your health care provider's prescribed therapy to treat the cause.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

• An adolescent son or daughter has an unrealistic self-image and seems to be dieting too much.
• You have lost more than 5% of your normal body weight over 6 - 12 months or less, and the weight loss cannot be explained.
• Other symptoms have occurred with the weight loss.