reason of weight loss - #17264
I am really freaking out about this sudden weight loss, and I can’t seem to figure out the reason of weight loss. Just a few months ago, I was feeling fine – not perfect, but solid. I started noticing that my clothes were getting looser, and at first, I thought it was just a change in my routine or something, but then I checked my scale! I mean, I’ve lost a good 15 pounds in like, a month! 😳 I don’t get it. I haven’t really changed my eating habits, honestly. I still eat my usual breakfasts and dinners, and I even snack. Lately, I've been feeling kinda tired, maybe more than usual, and I do experience this weird nauseous feeling sometimes, but I thought it was just stress from work. What's strange is that I'm not trying to lose weight and I don’t notice a decrease in appetite either, which makes me wonder what the actual reason of weight loss could be. I went to see my doctor, did some blood tests, and everything came back normal, but he couldn’t give me a clear answer. I keep thinking, is there something off that we missed? Like, could anxiety or my stress levels even play a part in the reason of weight loss? Or could it be something with my thyroid? I’m not sure if I should push for more tests or how to even go about this. Any thoughts or advice would be super helpful, honestly! This is really getting on my mind!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
When sudden weight loss occurs without an apparent change in diet, activity, or other lifestyle factors, it’s understandable to be concerned. It’s important to consider a variety of potential causes. First, let’s address the perspective of stress and anxiety: stress can indeed impact your weight, often by altering your metabolism or eating habits in ways you might not consciously notice. However, if stress were the primary cause, you’d likely see additional symptoms related to anxiety, like sleep disturbances or significant mood changes. Thyroid issues are another common cause of unexplained weight loss; conditions like hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, and fatigue. Given that your doctor performed some blood tests, it’s possible they assessed your thyroid function; if not, it’s worth asking specifically about this. Another angle to consider is gastrointestinal conditions, which can also lead to unexplained weight loss. Issues like celiac disease, IBS, or infections can interfere with nutrient absorption, resulting in weight changes despite usual eating habits. Likewise, chronic illnesses like diabetes or even infections could be culprits; sometimes they escape initial detection if not directly tested for. It’s also wise to review any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some might cause or contribute to weight changes. Since you’ve reported feelings of fatigue and nausea, symptoms should be evaluated further to rule out any nutritional deficiencies or systemic conditions. Given the span and nature of your symptoms and their persistence, the safest course of action would be to consult with a healthcare provider for follow-up. Discuss the possibility of further testing, focusing on areas like hormonal levels, nutrient deficiencies, and possibly advanced imaging, if appropriate. If necessary, consider seeking a second opinion or consulting a specialist such as an endocrinologist or gastroenterologist. Keep track of your symptoms, stress levels, diet changes, or any new occurrences and bring these notes to medical appointments to aid your healthcare provider in narrowing down potential causes.
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.