When it comes to your body weight, it's normal for it to fluctuate. But if you've lost more than 5% of your weight in a period of 6 to 12 months, that's usually a cause for concern. It's important to see your doctor if you've lost more than 5% of your body weight or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months, especially if you have other symptoms. Unexplained or unintentional weight loss is when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine.
It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness, so it's important to see a family doctor just in case. Some of the causes of involuntary weight loss are rare and may require several visits to determine a cause. Whether the reason for extreme weight loss is diet-related or medical, practicing proper nutrition can go a long way in discovering a remedy. Weight loss may be related to the loss of comparatively heavy muscle tissue, sometimes called muscle atrophy or muscle wasting.
While weight is presented as a practical tool that is easily measured and can even be used to calculate other types of health data (such as body mass index), it is important to remember that they are simply tools that help you assess the weight status of your body and should not be treated as a principle all. For example, in a study of 2,677 people with unexplained weight loss whose average age was 64, cancer was most often responsible. The typical type of weight loss among cancer patients with cachexia, in which muscle mass and fat are lost, is most often associated with cancer of the pancreas, stomach (gastric cancer), lung, esophagus, colon, and head or neck. Involuntary weight loss is important not only to look for an underlying cause, but also for what it means for overall health.
If you're experiencing extreme weight loss, it's important to talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments. Practicing proper nutrition can also help you discover a remedy for any underlying issues.
