weight loss reasons - #18335
I am trying to figure out some weight loss reasons lately because I’ve been losing weight kinda fast and it’s a bit scary honestly. Like, I don’t really have an appetite and food just doesn’t seem appealing anymore. This started about a month ago when I was really stressed with work and, I dunno, just life in general, and I noticed my clothes getting looser. My friends say it looks great (wow thanks, but I feel lightheaded sometimes), but still I’m worried. I’ve also had this weird thing going on with my stomach – it's been feeling uneasy, like I can’t believe the bloating at times but then it goes away and I’m just left feeling kinda empty, you know? Anyhow, I looked up some weight loss reasons and there are tons out there, from stress to thyroid stuff, and I just don’t know what’s relevant to me. My doctor says it might just be stress, but should I be getting more tests done? I had blood work last week and waiting for results, but what if it’s not just stress? I keep second guessing it all. How do I know if my weight loss reasons are normal or something to really be concerned about? Anyone have similar experiences or advice?
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Doctors' responses
Unexplained weight loss can indeed be concerning and it’s understandable that you’re seeking answers. Stress is a common factor that can contribute to weight loss due to its impact on appetite and metabolic processes. It’s possible your stressful period has significantly affected your appetite, leading to changes in your eating habits and subsequent weight loss. However, you’re right to consider other potential causes as weight loss can sometimes signal underlying health issues. Medical explanations could include thyroid imbalances like hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders, or even chronic infections. Since you’ve already done blood work, that’s a good step toward ruling out or confirming things like thyroid problems, anemia, or infections. If the blood work returns normal and your symptoms persist, further investigations might be considered based on how your symptoms evolve—this might include an assessment of gastrointestinal function or an evaluation for endocrine disorders. While waiting for results, try to manage stress through relaxation techniques or lifestyle adjustments, ensuring adequate hydration and nutritional intake even if food seems unappealing. Keep monitoring your symptoms: significant ongoing weight loss, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, or increased weakness should prompt a follow-up with your healthcare provider. They can order more specialized tests or refer you to a specialist if needed. Always trust your intuition and seek medical advice if any symptoms exacerbate or new ones arise.
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