Weight loss - unintentional

Alternative names

Loss of weight

Definition

Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary.

Weight loss will occur with decreased food intake, increased metabolism, or both. See also intentional weight loss.

Considerations

There are many causes of unintentional weight loss including endocrine, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric disorders, as well as nutritional deficiencies, infections, tumors and neurological disorders.

Anorexia nervosa appears almost exclusively in adolescent girls. While many teenagers go through a phase of excess dieting (see intentional weight loss), only a few actually develop anorexia nervosa. Of those who do, up to 15% die from complications of the condition. Anorexic girls tend to come from families that often talk about the "right" amounts or kinds of things to eat, and these girls may use their refusal to eat as a way to manipulate their parents. See also bulimia.

Common Causes

• Conditions that prevent food consumption such as painful mouth sores, newly applied orthodontic appliances, or loss of teeth
  
• Manipulative behavior (in children)
  
• Unrealistic expectations of caretakers (with children)
  
• Depression
  
• Malnutrition
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Prescribed or over-the-counter drugs (including amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxative abuse, and thyroid medications)
  
• Drug abuse and smoking
  
• Unrecognized intentional weight loss
  
• Undiagnosed anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  
• AIDS
  
• Malignancy
  
• Acute infection
  
• Chronic infections such as tuberculosis
  
• Parasitic infections (particularly if you are from or have recently traveled to another country)
  
• Chronic diarrhea
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  

Home Care
Practice moderation and maintain a balanced program in both diet and exercise. For weight loss caused by oral or dental problems, see the dentist. For weight loss caused by disease, follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if