Weight Loss

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history, diet, and exercise routine. They may also order tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopies based on your symptoms.

These investigations help identify the underlying cause of weight loss. Understanding the cause is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan.

Red flag signs include rapid, significant weight loss, along with symptoms like persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, pain, or changes in bowel habits.

You should initially consult your primary care doctor. Based on their assessment, you may be referred to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, or oncologist.

Yes, severe stress or anxiety can cause weight loss by affecting your appetite and eating habits. Chronic stress can also impact your metabolism, leading to weight loss.

Yes, certain medications can cause weight loss as a side effect. These may include medications for diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a medication is causing weight loss.

Yes, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of various types of cancer, including lung, pancreatic, and colon cancer. However, many other non-cancerous conditions can also cause weight loss.

The treatment for unexplained weight loss depends on the underlying cause. It may involve changes in diet, medication, therapy for mental health conditions, or treatment for any identified illness.

Yes, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, due to the body's inability to properly utilize glucose for energy.

Significant unexplained weight loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weakened immunity, loss of muscle strength and tone, and increased risk of complications from any underlying illness.

Changes in diet or exercise can lead to weight loss, but it's not considered 'unexplained' if you're aware of these changes. If you're losing weight without making intentional changes to your lifestyle, it's considered unexplained and should be evaluated.

Yes, aging can lead to gradual weight loss due to factors like loss of muscle mass, decreased appetite, or underlying chronic diseases. However, significant weight loss in older adults is a concern and should be evaluated.

While unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of serious illnesses like cancer or diabetes, it can also be due to less serious conditions like depression or thyroid disorders. Regardless, unexplained weight loss should always be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.