Learn about the diseases that can cause weight loss

The weight loss should be cause for concern when it occurs unintentionally, without the person realizing it is losing weight. In general, it is normal to lose weight after stress phases as changing jobs, going through a divorce or losing a loved one.
However, if weight loss is not related to these factors and not to diet or increase physical activity, you should see a doctor to assess the cause of the problem, which can be diseases such as thyroid problems, diabetes or cancer.

When to worry

The weight loss is worrying when the patient loses inadvertently more than 5% of body weight in a period of 6 months to 1 year. In 70 kg person, for example, the loss is of concern when it is greater than 3.5 kg and a person weighing 50 kg, the concern when it comes thinned further 2.5 kg without addition querer.Além also must- be attentive to signs such as fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in the rhythm of bowel movements and increased frequency of infections like colds.

Possible causes

When the weight loss takes place unintentionally and without apparent reason, it may be linked to problems such as:

• intestinal diseases such as, ulcers and Crohn's disease;
• neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's disease;
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism;
• Addison's Disease, which is a problem in the adrenal gland;
• Cancer;
• Diabetes;
• Depression;
• Heart problems;
• AIDS;
• Tuberculosis;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Furthermore, it is also necessary to evaluate the weight loss is linked to other problems like loss of teeth, anorexia or bulimia. Get tips to gain weight healthily.

causes weight loss in elderly

The weight loss during aging is normal when it is slow and is typically linked to loss of appetite, taste disturbance or due to side effects of drugs. Another common reason is dementia, ue makes the person forget to take the meals and to feed so adequada.Além slimming, it is also normal to experience the loss of bone mass, which makes the frail elderly and more risk of bone fractures.

Causes of weight loss during pregnancy

Weight loss in pregnancy is not a normal situation, but can occur especially when the mother has a lot of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, failing to make adequate food.
In these cases, it is essential to consult a nutritionist to know what to do and avoid serious complications that can harm the growth of the fetus, it is expected that healthy and normal weight pregnant women increase 11 to 15 kg throughout pregnancy. Learn How much weight can put on weight in pregnancy.

weight loss causes of baby

Weight loss is common in newborn babies, who often lose up to 10% of body weight during the first 15 days of life, due to the expulsion of fluid through urine and fezes.A from there is expected to increase about baby 250 g per week to 6 months of life and always will be increasing weight and height according to age.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of the weight loss, the doctor will evaluate the presented symptoms and order tests such as blood test, urine and feces, MRI and X-ray of the chest, continuing the investigation according to the results.
Usually the general practitioner is the first doctor should be consulted and only after the test results it may indicate an expert in accordance with the cause of the problem, such as an endocrinologist, psychiatrist or oncologist for exemplo.Para help evaluate the cause of the problem , see the signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer.