Understanding Chronic Abnormal Weight Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Abnormal weight loss, or unintentional weight loss, defines the condition of losing weight without diet or unusual physical activity. Weight loss is usually a symptom of other underlying conditions, including infectious diseases (flu, common cold, etc.), gastrointestinal problems, psychiatric disorders (such as depression), thyroid-gland disorders, medication side effects, and more. Abnormal weight loss could be a sign of a serious illness, such as cancer or HIV infection, and should be examined thoroughly.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cause of weight loss and may include:
- Change in the looks of the face and body.
- Change in the fit of clothes.
- Additional symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and more.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by questioning and investigating the medical history and physical examination to provide additional information and define the cause of weight loss. Further tests include:
- Blood testing.
- CT or MRI scans.
- Additional testing depending on the suspected cause.

Treatment

Treatment of weight loss depends on the underlying condition and may include medications and the diet's alternation. When an acute viral infection is suspected as the cause, rest and supportive care may suffice until the infection is resolved.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital