why do i keep losing weight for no reason? - #15149
I am really starting to freak out here. I've noticed that over the last couple of months, I keep losing weight for no reason and it's got me worried. Like, I haven’t changed my diet or exercise routine – just still eating and doing my usual stuff. At first, it was just a couple of pounds, but now it’s like 15 pounds gone! My friends keep saying I look great, but honestly, I feel weak and kind of foggy sometimes. I went to the doc last week, and they ran some blood tests, but everything came back normal. I keep wondering why do I keep losing weight for no reason? It's almost like my body is betraying me or something. I've tried to keep a food diary to see if maybe I’m not eating enough without realizing it, but nope—I’m still on track with meals. Also, I’ve been feeling really anxious lately, like all this weight loss is stressing me out even more. Can this be related? Or why do I keep losing weight for no reason? Anyone else experience this? What could be going on? Do I need to push for more tests or maybe a second opinion? I just don't know what to do next.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Unintentional weight loss like you’re experiencing can indeed be concerning, and it’s important to stay vigilant until you find the cause. Since your initial bloodwork didn’t show anything abnormal, it’s helpful to consider some other potential causes that might explain the weight loss. Stress and anxiety, which you mentioned, can sometimes lead to weight loss, either by affecting your appetite or metabolism. If your anxiety levels have increased significantly, this could be playing a part. Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues, are also common culprits. Even if initial tests were normal, it might be worthwhile to specifically check for thyroid function through tests like TSH, Free T4, and Free T3, as sometimes these can fluctuate and reveal early stages of thyroid disorders.
Another angle to explore could be gastrointestinal issues, such as malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or inflammatory conditions like IBD. These can sometimes lead to weight loss even if you’re eating enough food. Ensuring you’re getting a comprehensive evaluation, possibly including further lab work and imaging studies, could help rule out or confirm these possibilities. Additionally, infections can sometimes cause unexplained weight loss, so reviewing potential exposure history or symptoms might provide a clue. Cancers, while less common, should also be considered if other explanations don’t fit; however, this wouldn’t be amongst the first assumptions.
Your current sense of fogginess and weakness suggests this deserves further prompt investigation. In light of these symptoms, you might consider seeking a second opinion or pushing for referral to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or gastroenterologist, who can delve deeper into potential causes. Meanwhile, keeping track of your symptoms in detail including any new changes can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. Prioritize seeing your doctor again if you notice any new symptoms or if the situation worsens, as addressing this sooner would be better than later.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.