Зміст
Sudden weight loss that is not the result of diet or increased physical activity should be of concern. Thus, metabolic and hormonal disorders, such as diabetes or an overactive thyroid gland, are often felt. It is also a symptom of chronic bowel disease, immune system disease, and parasitic infections. Doctors are alarming that this may also be the first sign of cancer. So, what if we lose 10 percent within six months. Body weights, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible and conduct a number of diagnostic studies. Find out what sudden weight loss can mean.
Sudden weight loss: Type 1 diabetes
Sudden weight loss (more than 1 kg per month) is very often associated with type 1 diabetes. Paradoxically, the patient has an increased appetite, but he still loses weight. Other common symptoms are increased thirst, increased urination, chronic fatigue and lethargy. This type of diabetes is autoimmune – for unknown reasons, the immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency.
Sudden weight loss: Overactive thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a gland that is responsible for many metabolic processes. Therefore, a violation of its functioning gives a number of annoying symptoms. Sudden weight loss, despite a good appetite and a large amount of food, can be a sign of an overactive thyroid gland. The disease greatly speeds up the metabolism, but also manifests itself in palpitations, hyperhidrosis, nervousness and hyperactivity. Patients do not sleep well, complain of hand tremors and hair loss. If left untreated, it can lead to heart damage and osteoporosis.
Sudden weight loss: Parasitic diseases
Parasitic diseases despite their appearance, they are still a threat, and adults can be carriers of them unknowingly. A moment of inattention is enough for pin worm larvae, human roundworms and even a dangerous tapeworm to enter our body. Severe weight loss (even 20% of total body weight) is often the only sign of a parasitic disease. Meanwhile, lack of treatment can lead to a number of complications: anemia, arthritis, and even damage to the heart and brain. Other symptoms of a parasitic infection are loss of appetite, loose stools, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever, and chronic fatigue. Some people also get itchy skin.
Sudden weight loss: Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a collection of symptoms associated with chronic, often autoimmune bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.). Patients struggle with recurrent diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain. Disease also often causes malabsorption and deficiencies in important nutrients. Therefore, the main symptom, besides digestive problems, is weight loss.
Sudden weight loss: AIDS
Rapid weight loss (weight loss up to 10% in a few months) can also be caused by HIV infection. As a result, a chronic disease develops that destroys the immune system – AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Sudden weight loss is a characteristic symptom of the disease. Other signs include frequent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, recurrent diarrhea, and fever.
Sudden weight loss: Tumors
Doctors warn that sudden weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of early cancer. A 10 percent loss in body weight after a few months may portend cancer of the pancreas, colon, lungs, ovaries, prostate, liver, esophagus, or stomach. This symptom is especially dangerous in people over 60, who are most often diagnosed with cancer. Other warning signs are heavy sweating at night and chronic fatigue (such as frequent sleep during the day).
