what are the reasons for weight loss - #20081
I am really worried about my recent weight loss and need some insight. Over the past two months, I've lost about 15 pounds without even trying, and it's freaking me out. I mean, I thought maybe I was just stressed with work and life, ya know? But then, I started feeling super tired all the time and my focus is kinda all over the place. I had to cut back on working out 'cause I don’t have the energy for it. I did a blood test last week and my doc said my thyroid levels are normal, but I'm still asking myself, what are the reasons for weight loss besides thyroid issues? I swear I’ve thought about everything from my diet changing a bit to possible anxiety, but getting proper answers feels so hard. Some people have been saying it could be something serious, like cancer or something. I don't know!! I mean, how do you even figure out what are the reasons for weight loss when it feels like everything is just kind of spiraling? I just want to get back to normal and feel more like myself again. Any thoughts or experiences with weight loss that just came out of nowhere? What are the reasons for weight loss I should look into? I appreciate any advice from all you docs out there!
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Doctors' responses
Unexplained weight loss can indeed be concerning, and while it’s great that your thyroid is in check, there are other factors worth exploring. Often, changes in appetite or metabolism related to stress, anxiety, or depression can subtly cause weight loss without you fully noticing. If life’s been hectic, stress could manifest physically, influencing how your body processes nutrients even if you’re eating normally. Besides thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies or poor dietary intake can also contribute, especially if your diet’s changed significantly. Check if you’ve unconsciously shifted your eating habits or food quality. Another important aspect could be an infection or an inflammatory condition like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease that can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss alongside symptoms like fatigue. Chronic infections and conditions such as diabetes could alter weight and energy levels too, with potential overlap in symptoms you describe. While cancer is indeed a concern with unexplained weight loss, many benign causes are more common, especially at the start of investigations. To navigate this, a complete blood count, metabolic panel, and evaluation for underlying conditions like diabetes or other infections could be helpful if yet to be done. Each case is unique, and sometimes combining a diary of symptoms with dietary logs can offer more clarity. Since your energy and focus are also affected, it’s wise reaching out to your doctor to share these details and possibly undergo further evaluation if necessary. It’s essential to pin down the root cause, and medical guidance can direct you where lifestyle tweaks or specific treatments might help.
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