3 Common Causes of Unintentional weight loss.

There could be several causes of unintentional weight loss, It could be due to increased physical activity or changes in your diet.

It could also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your weight loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

There are so many ways to Know that you are losing weight, for instance :

• Your clothes stop fitting you like they should, they become loose-fitting.
• You have increased infections, and sudden weight loss may lower your immune function.
• You are always fatigued, with general body weakness.
• Often the loss of appetite.
• Also visible are ribs and bones.

As I’ve already mentioned, unintentional weight loss could be because of an underlying serious medical condition like type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain cancers.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can cause weight loss due to several reasons. One of the main reasons is that the body is not able to produce enough insulin, which is required to regulate glucose levels in the blood.

Insulin is responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells for energy. When there is a lack of insulin, the body starts to break down fat and muscle tissue for energy, resulting in weight loss. Additionally, people with type 1 diabetes may experience a loss of appetite or feel nauseous, which can also contribute to weight loss.

Finally, frequent urination and increased thirst, both symptoms of type 1 diabetes, can lead to dehydration, which can cause a temporary drop in weight.

Inflammatory bowel disease 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause unintentional weight loss due to a variety of reasons.

The chronic inflammation in the digestive tract can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, causing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, the constant abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and nausea associated with IBD can make it difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy appetite and consume enough calories.

Some people with IBD may also experience food aversions or develop intolerances to certain foods, further limiting their dietary intake. Therefore, individuals with IBD need to work closely with a healthcare professional to manage their symptoms and ensure they are getting enough nutrients to maintain a healthy weight.

Depression 

Depression can lead to unintentional weight loss due to several reasons.

Constant sadness and loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed can lead to a loss of appetite. Additionally, depression can cause fatigue and lack of energy, which can make it difficult for individuals to prepare and consume meals.

In some cases, depression can also lead to the development of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, where individuals intentionally restrict their food intake to remain thin. It’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression and unintentional weight loss. Treatment options may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes to improve mental health and promote healthy eating habits.

Aside from illnesses, there are other serious causes of unintentional weight loss that you should watch out for:

• There could be side effects of certain medications for instance Chemotherapy, this type of treatment for cancer has shown a very big effect on the weight of most patients, which is why good nutrition is important before, during, and even after chemotherapy.
• Extreme exercises can lead to extreme muscle and fat loss, and therefore you end up losing more than you expected.
• Dental problems also limit nutrient intake so much, and in the long run, lead to unintentional weight loss.
• Certain eating disorders like Anorexia nervosa will also lead to unexpected weight loss. Do you have an eating disorder?

Most of us already are looking forward to weight loss, however, unintentional weight loss will put you at risk of other more serious health problems, and even social problems. A common one is malnutrition.

Therefore, unintentional weight loss is something we should prevent and this is how to:

1. Treat the underlying condition, get medication for diabetes, get pain relievers for inflammatory bowel disease, and even get psychotherapy in case you are going into depression.
2. Another important thing is to consider visiting your Nutritionist for prescribed nutrient supplements and multivitamins.
3. If you suspect the weight loss could be because of medication, go back to your doctor and get re-checked, this is especially for medication-causing nausea and diarrhoea, you will need that checked.
4. And always remember to Make realistic weight loss goals

NOTE: weight loss after pregnancy is okay unless you become Underweight. And therefore you don’t have to worry so much about that.