Weight Loss
Alternative Names:
Loss of Weight
Definition:
Body weight is determined by several factors including diet and exercise. Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than it takes in. While weight loss is often healthy, excessive and unintentional weight loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or side effect. Weight loss can result from a decrease in body fluid, muscle mass, or fat.
Symptoms:
Consult your doctor if you have unintentionally lost more than 10 lbs or 5 percent of your body weight in the last six months or less, or if other symptoms have occurred in combination with your weight loss.
Exams/Testing:
Your doctor will ask you several questions about your recent weight loss and health and will most likely do a physical examination, evaluating your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI).
Afterwards, your doctor may decide to run the following tests to determine the cause of your weight loss:
- Blood tests
- Hormone level measurement
- Nutrition check
Outlook/Prognosis:
Weight loss can usually be maintained or reversed by monitoring your diet and exercise. If the cause of your weight loss is attributed to a condition or medication, your doctor may prescribe alternative therapies to reverse or control your weight loss.
Weight loss attributed to psychological conditions like anorexia nervosa or depression may require counseling. Chronic illnesses may require tube feeding to prevent muscle deterioration, and other negative side effects caused by excessive weight loss and malnutrition.
Causes (specific drugs):
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