What is sudden weight loss? Weight loss is the result of reduced energy intake or increased energy expenditure. Sudden Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. Progressive involuntary weight loss conceals serious organic or psychiatric illness.
Voluntary weight loss in overweight or obese individuals usually does not obscure organic disease.
In general, significant weight loss is defined as a loss of more than 5% of average physique weight above a period of 6 months.
In general, significant weight loss is defined as a loss of more than 5% of average physique weight above a period of 6 months.
When unintentional weight loss exceeds 10% of normal weight (in obese individuals), an investigation should be made. Involuntary weight loss of more than 20% of normal weight is associated with severe protein malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and multifunctional dysfunction.
Where is it due?
Sudden Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. In the absence of fever or other cause justifying increased energy expenditure, weight loss is mainly due to reduced food intake.
Sudden Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. In the absence of fever or other cause justifying increased energy expenditure, weight loss is mainly due to reduced food intake.
Involuntary weight loss:
Progressive involuntary weight loss indicates severe organic or psychiatric illnesses that may be accompanied by anorexia. Common causes include:
Progressive involuntary weight loss indicates severe organic or psychiatric illnesses that may be accompanied by anorexia. Common causes include:
- Endocrine diseases (hyperparathyroidism,hyperthyroidism, chronic primary adrenal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus)
- Gastrointestinal diseases (1-4):
2. Idiopathic inflammatory bowel may be associated with late-stage malabsorption. Crohn's disease is often accompanied by early significant weight loss, possibly due to inflammation and poor appetite.
In contrast, ulcerative colitis is usually not accompanied by early weight loss, although sudden weight loss is noted in advanced disease.
3. Malabsorption may lead to weight loss with increased or normal appetite. However, celiac disease, one of the most common causes of malabsorption (see related article at peptiko.gr), is usually not accompanied by weight loss or diarrhea in adults.
4. Vascular insufficiency (due to intestinal ischemia and therefore malabsorption)
- Cancer
- HIV and other infections (eg tuberculosis, hepatitis C)
- Advanced stage of heart, lung and kidney disease
- Neurological diseases (stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Systemic inflammatory disorders
- Psychiatric disorders (especially depression)
- Taking drugs (addictive substances)
- Herbs, tea, food additives (preservatives)
- Medications ( antiepileptics , antidepressants, levodopa, digoxin, metformin, thyroid medications, etc.) or discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs (eg chlorpromazine, alloperidol)
- Alcohol abuse
- Heavy tobacco
What shall I do?
As an eventuality of the much reason of sudden weight loss, there is no singular diagnostic way for all patients.
As an eventuality of the much reason of sudden weight loss, there is no singular diagnostic way for all patients.
Each case should be individualized based on the findings from the patient's history and clinical examination. In modern times, yet any extensively accepted guidelines for clinical assessment of weight loss.
Are there any special exams?
- Blood tests: General blood test, biochemical test (electrolytes, glucose, calcium, renal and hepatic function, thyroid hormones), hemoglobin A1, general urine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C- operative protein.
- Chest X-ray
- Endoscopic examination (gastroscopy and colonoscopy)
- CT scan is not recommended at first, although it may be requested later.
