reasons of weight loss - #16030
I am really worried about my weight loss lately. Like, I've dropped about 15 pounds in the last month without trying, and that's just not normal for me. I mean, I eat pretty regularly, maybe a little less junk food than before. But the thing is, I've been feeling sort of drained and a little dizzy too. My coworkers have even noticed and they keep asking me about it. I went to my doc last week, and she mentioned a few reasons of weight loss like stress or possible thyroid issues, but she didn’t seem too worried. I want to know more reasons of weight loss because right now I’m just feeling lost and kinda scared. Like, am I missing something here? I’ve been tracking my food intake, and I’m still eating enough, but I find it hard to keep my mind focused and energy up. I read somewhere that unexplained weight loss can be a sign of other health issues, and that's scaring me even more. Have any of you experienced this before? What are some common reasons of weight loss that could be overlooked? I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything serious.
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Doctors’ responses
Unexplained weight loss can indeed be concerning, especially when it’s accompanied by symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. There are several potential reasons behind weight loss that could be explored further. Apart from thyroid issues and stress, it could relate to metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, which affects your body’s ability to use glucose for energy, potentially leading to unintentional weight loss. Another possibility is gastrointestinal issues that might be affecting nutrient absorption, like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, which may require further investigation. Infections, like tuberculosis or chronic infections, can also sometimes be a cause, albeit less commonly. Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute as they can involve significant systemic inflammation and changes in metabolism. If there’s been any recent change in your medications or if you’re taking something new, that’s worth considering too. Medications for various conditions can sometimes lead to weight loss as a side effect. It could also boil down to changes in your mental health, as sometimes anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors can really take a toll on weight and overall health. It’s important to keep communicating any new or persisting symptoms with your doctor, as they may choose to do further blood tests or imaging based on clinical suspicion to rule out more serious conditions like cancer. If you haven’t already, consider a comprehensive review of any ongoing symptoms with a physician, who might recommend further testing such as blood work — complete blood count, metabolic panels, or imaging like an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan if warranted by clinical examination. Remember, immediate or noticeable physical changes should not be dismissed, and ongoing follow-ups can help catch any underlying issues early.
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