Sounds good ? Well maybe not. If you lose more than 5% of your weight in 6 to 12 months, tell your doctor, especially if you’re an older adult. That would be about 8 pounds if you weigh 150, or 10 pounds if you weigh 200. Sudden weight loss without a reason can be a sign of a health problem.
Hyperthyroidism
If your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, it revs up your metabolism so you burn more calories and lose weight. You also may have more bowel movements and a racing heartbeat, and you may feel anxious. Your doctor can help you manage it with medicine. She may also talk to you about surgery to take out all or part of your thyroid.
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone your
body makes to turn blood sugar into energy. If you have diabetes, you either
can’t make insulin or can’t use it the way you need to. When your cells run out
of fuel, your body thinks it’s starving and starts burning fat and muscle. This
makes you lose weight. You may also be thirsty, tired, hungry, or pee more than
usual. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. If you have
diabetes, she can help figure out a treatment plan that’s right for you
Celiac Disease
If you have this, your
body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. When you eat
it, your immune system -- which helps you fight off bacteria and other germs --
attacks your small intestine by mistake. That can make it hard for your body to
take in nutrients, and that can lead to weight loss. You also may have
headaches, itchy skin, sores in your mouth, and joint pain. Only a doctor can
tell you for sure if you have it. If you do, you’ll need to follow a special
diet to stop the symptoms.
Medication
Drugs used to treat
certain health conditions may ramp up your metabolism so you burn more calories
or make you less hungry. These include:
•Stimulants
•Chemotherapy drugs
•Antidepressants
•Drugs for type 2 diabetes
Talk to your doctor if you
lose your appetite or start losing weight on a new medication.
Stress
It’s normal to drop a few
pounds after something like losing a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved
one. You should return to your regular weight once you have time to grieve the
loss or get used to the change. You may need help from family and friends,
group therapy, or a professional counselor. Talk to your doctor if you keep
losing weight
Lupus
This is when your immune
system turns on your body and attacks your tissues and organs. You may lose
weight because it can irritate your digestive system and make it hard for your
body to take in nutrients from food. You may be very tired, and your joints may
hurt or be stiff. Many people also get a butterfly-shaped rash on their faces.
Your doctor can help you ease these symptoms with medicine and changes in your
diet and lifestyle.
Addison’s Disease
With this condition, your
adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, especially one called
cortisol. It can cause stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and,
in some cases, diarrhea. These things can make you lose your appetite and
eventually lose weight. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and give
you medicine to replace the hormones.
Cancer
These harmful cells may
use more of your energy, or they might make chemicals that change the way you
digest food. Your immune system often has to work harder, too. That tires you
out and makes your body burn more calories, which can lead to weight loss.
COPD
This disease damages tiny
air sacs in your lungs. It’s often caused by smoking. It makes it hard to
breathe and makes you cough up a thick fluid called mucus. Your body needs more
calories to get enough oxygen into each breath. You may also get tired easily
and lose your appetite. These things all can lead to weight loss.
Heart Failure
If your heart can’t pump
blood and oxygen to the rest of your body like it should, your digestive system
may not get enough blood to do its job well. This can make you feel full even
when you haven’t eaten and may make you sick to your stomach. Eventually, your
body might not be able to get rid of fluid like it should, and it can build up
in your intestines and keep you from taking in nutrients. Your doctor may
recommend that you cut down on salt and give you medicines called diuretics
that help you clear out the fluid.
Dementia
This weakens your ability
to think along with your basic memory and social skills. In later stages, you
may lose a lot of weight because you forget to eat or find it harder to chew or
swallow. Chronic infections, special diets, and drugs used to treat dementia
can make it worse.
No comments:
Post a Comment