Losing weight should i worry

Wakim-Fleming says. Look for symptoms like stomach pain, discolored or oily poop , diarrhea, or nausea after eating fatty foods. Diabetes also causes your body to suck nourishment from your muscles, which fuels the sudden weight drop. These conditions can also cause inflammation in your gut, which could mess with nutrient absorption, leading to unexplained weight loss before diagnosis.

Several types of cancer , as well as a tumor or ulcer in your stomach or intestines, can cause inflammation or malabsorption issues that may lead to a drop in weight, Dr. Weight Loss. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core.

MoMo Productions Getty Images. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Weight loss can be intentional—you may diet or exercise to lose weight. In other cases, weight loss can be unintentional, and you find yourself losing muscle mass, body fluid, or fat without even trying. Pay attention if you experience other symptoms , such as:. Unexplained weight loss can be caused by physical, psychological, or environmental changes that range from mild to serious.

Some causes of rapid weight loss include the following:. You may experience weight loss if you have a problem with the glands that secrete hormones that can impact your appetite. Examples include:.

Thyroid disorders involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones which can impact your diet. Gastrointestinal issues can disrupt the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and the satiety hormone, leptin, leading to a decreased appetite. Cancer raises inflammation, in turn interrupting hormones that regulate appetite, and many cancer treatments and medications can cause nausea or a decrease in appetite.

Examples of cancers that cause unexplained weight loss include the following:. When you have an eating disorder your irregular eating habits and behavior will likely cause you to lose weight. Emphysema slowly damages the air sacs in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the airways that bring air to your lungs.

This produces mucus, coughing, and breathing issues. In later stages, COPD can cause weight loss. Labored breathing burns a lot of calories. It can also feel uncomfortable to eat and breathe at the same time. The main cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Long-term exposure to irritants such as air pollution and dust can also lead to COPD.

Treatment includes medications, such as bronchodilators, and lung therapies, like oxygen therapy. It develops when germs —usually bacteria — enter the bloodstream and collect in your heart. Most people with endocarditis have a fever. This may come along with a poor appetite. Elevated body temperature also increases metabolism and burns fat, causing weight loss.

Endocarditis is rare in healthy hearts. Treatment of endocarditis includes antibiotics and surgery. Another cause of unexplained weight loss is tuberculosis TB , a contagious condition that usually affects the lungs.

TB spreads through the air. You can catch TB without getting sick. If your immune system can fight it, the bacteria will become inactive. This is called latent TB. Some people are at risk for active TB.

This includes people with weak immune systems, especially those who have:. Cancer is the general term for diseases that cause abnormal cells to quickly divide and spread. According to the American Cancer Society , one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more.

This is common with cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus. Cancer increases inflammation. This promotes muscle wasting and disrupts appetite-regulating hormones. A growing tumor may also increase your resting energy expenditure REE , or how much energy your body burns at rest.

Early symptoms of cancer also include:. Treatment depends on the type of cancer. Typical treatments include, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Cortisol regulates many functions, including metabolism and appetite.

Low levels of cortisol may lead to poor appetite and weight loss. HIV attacks immune cells called T cells. This makes it difficult to fight infections. Advanced forms of these conditions often cause weight loss. Symptoms like sore throat, mouth sores, and fatigue can make eating uncomfortable. Symptoms of HIV depend on the person and stage of infection. Antiretroviral therapy is used to treat HIV and stop the spread of the virus and may improve weight loss.