Many people aim to lose weight, but when weight loss occurs unexpectedly and without any dieting or exercise, it can be cause for concern. Sudden and unexplained weight loss might be a sign of serious health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses.

Causes of Drastic Weight Loss Without Dieting

Weight loss is often attributed to stress, diet plans, or regular exercise. However, experiencing a significant drop in weight without following a low-calorie diet or engaging in intense physical activity may indicate an underlying health issue.

If your weight decreases by more than 5% within 6 to 12 months without any conscious effort to lose weight, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Here are some possible causes of drastic weight loss:

Digestive Disorders

Conditions like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to sudden and rapid weight loss.

For people with celiac diseases, they cannot properly absorb nutrients due to intestinal damage, leading to weight loss. Meanwhile, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can cause reduced appetite, which may trigger unintentional weight loss.

Mental Health Conditions

Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression can disrupt the brain’s appetite regulation. This often results in a lack of appetite, contributing to significant weight loss.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the most recognized causes of unexplained weight loss. Cancer-related weight loss may occur due to metabolic changes, reduced appetite, chronic inflammation, or muscle wasting caused by the disease.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates the body’s metabolism. An overactive thyroid accelerates calorie burning, resulting in rapid and unintended weight loss.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use glucose for energy, causing elevated blood sugar levels. When cells are deprived of glucose, the body resorts to breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to significant weight loss.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can interfere with hunger-regulating hormones like leptin. This disruption often leads to reduced appetite and weight loss.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This can reduce blood flow to the digestive system, causing nausea, a feeling of fullness, and poor appetite. Additionally, the condition increases the body’s metabolism, burning more calories and leading to weight loss.

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of a serious chronic disease. If you notice significant weight changes without making any conscious effort to lose weight, it’s important to seek medical attention. For further support, you can also access health consultation services via the Ai Care application, which is available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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