What To Do When You Experience Sudden Weight Loss?

If you lose a couple of pounds every now and then, it is not medically significant. It may be due to dietary variation or changes in generalized fluid intake and metabolism. There are certain criteria which define sudden weight loss. If you have unintentionally lost more than 10 pounds or more than five percent of your body weight over 6-12 months, it is considered sudden weight loss and this is a concern.

Usually, the patient realizes they are losing weight by themselves, or it may be brought to their attention by friends and family or loose fitting of clothes. You should consult your doctor who will then try to determine the cause of this weight loss.

Diagnosing Sudden Weight Loss

The doctor will take your detailed history and perform a complete physical and psychological examination and try to get some clues about the possible causes of your sudden weight loss. It is usually a manifestation of an underlying hidden disease, so the doctor will look for associated symptoms which can guide them towards the diagnosis. For example, hyperthyroidism is also associated with tremors, palpitations, bulging eyeballs, nervousness and increased BMR. Cancer can also have its associated symptoms depending on the organ involved and psychological conditions are revealed in detailed history and psycho-social assessment of a patient.

Common causes are ruled out first and then the doctor moves towards the uncommon ones. Hyperthyroidism, cancer, infections and depression are the most common causes of sudden weight loss, and the initial diagnostic chat and examination will usually offer your doctor some clues.

The doctor will order appropriate Laboratory Tests for confirmation of the diagnosis, which usually include any of these:

• Thyroid function tests (TFTs) for hyperthyroidism
• X-rays or body scan for hidden cancers
• Complete Blood Profile and ESR for infections, cancers and other causes
• Blood Glucose for diabetes
• Renal Function Tests and Electrolytes for kidney disease and Addison’s disease
• Liver Function Tests for liver diseases                                                                                                                      

The treatment of the sudden weight is directed towards the cause and hence it depends totally on the diagnosis. Anti-thyroid drugs or surgery is the treatment for hyperthyroidism.For depression, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and antidepressant drugs are used. If there is a suspicion of cancer, a referral to an oncologist is made who then performs further tests and decides the appropriate treatment. Infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics. Proper dietary interventions should be made in case of malnutrition especially in elderly.

READ Hashimoto's Disease & Hyperthyroidism

Sometimes sudden unexplained weight loss is the only manifestation of a disease. It should be taken seriously and the cause should be determined early. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any disease can lower the risk of severe complications.