Weight loss is expected and celebrated when you're on a weight loss journey. However, if you’re unintentionally losing weight without any effort or a change in diet or lifestyle, then you need to investigate the reasons behind it. According to sources, losing over 5% of your body weight in 6-12 months without any significant dietary or lifestyle changes should be a cause for concern and could indicate an underlying health problem.
Unexpected weight loss can be even more worrying if it is accompanied by symptoms like digestive issues, metabolic or hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition, chronic illnesses, etc.
Today, we will look at the causes of weight loss in men, learn when you should worry about it and see how to prevent or treat unexplained weight loss.
Table Of Contents
- What Illness Causes Weight Loss? 7 Causes of Sudden Weight Loss In Men
- When Should You Worry About Weight Loss?
- How To Prevent And Treat Unexplained Weight Loss?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Illness Causes Weight Loss? 7 Causes of Sudden Weight Loss In Men
Unexplained weight loss is a noticeable fall in body weight when you are not trying to lose weight and have not changed your diet or level of physical activity. This type of weight loss can be worrying and may even indicate an underlying medical condition.
This sudden weight loss in men can be concerning and may be caused by various health conditions. If you experience unexplained weight loss, it is important to seek medical attention and address the issue.
Also Read: Why Does My Weight Fluctuate Every Day? Causes, And Tracking Tips
Some common illnesses or medical conditions behind unintentional weight loss are:
1. Diabetes
One of the main causes of unexplained weight loss is type 1 diabetes. It causes the immune system to attack the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose for energy, resulting in high blood glucose levels (check out these blood sugar charts by age and gender). Our kidneys remove unused glucose through urine and some calories along with it. This can lead to a calorie deficit that makes a person lose weight.
2. Cancer
Cancer is a serious illness that causes abnormal cells to divide and spread rapidly. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first symptoms of cancer may be an unexplained weight loss of 4.5kg (10lbs) or more.
A growing cancer tumour can also increase your resting energy expenditure (REE), or how much energy your body burns at rest. This can increase calories burned, resulting in a calorie deficit that makes a person lose body weight.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a condition that usually affects the lungs and may spread to other body parts. It reduces appetite and causes an increase in metabolic demand as the body fights the infection. Weight loss caused by TB is usually accompanied by a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and fatigue.
4. Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland oversees your metabolism, and when this gland is overactive, it speeds up the body’s metabolism. This can lead to sudden weight loss in men, along with other complications such as increased heart rate, increased anxiety, nervousness, tremors or insomnia.
5. Bowel Disease
Bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease can cause weight loss by impairing the body’s nutrient absorption, which can lead to malnutrition, diarrhoea, and reduced appetite. Chronic inflammation and increased energy demands from these conditions can further contribute to sudden weight loss in men.
6. Depression
Depression leads to sadness, feelings of loneliness and a lack of interest in most things, including food. This, including a reduced appetite and other symptoms of depression such as fatigue or low energy, can make it difficult for people with depression to eat regularly or maintain a healthy diet. For some people, depression may also cause metabolism changes or increase cortisol, which can contribute to weight loss.
Also Read: Exercise and Mental Health: How Physical Activities Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety And Depression
7. Chronic Infections (HIV/AIDS)
Chronic infections such as HIV or AIDS increase the body’s energy demands and impair the ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in weight loss in men and women. These conditions often include symptoms like poor appetite, diarrhoea, and nausea, which make it difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy weight.
Also Read: Reasons For Sudden Weight Loss In Women: 7 Alarming Causes Of Losing Weight Unexpectedly
When Should You Worry About Weight Loss?
There is no particular point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a health problem. However, most medical professionals agree that if you lose over 5% of your body weight in 6-12 months without any significant lifestyle or dietary changes, you should get a medical evaluation, especially if you’re an older adult.
How To Prevent And Treat Unexplained Weight Loss?
The prevention and treatment of unexplained weight loss depend on the underlying cause or condition. However, here's a general approach:
Prevention | |
| 1. Maintain a balanced diet | Ensure you're eating sufficient calories and nutrients to meet your body's needs. A well-rounded diet includes adequate protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Consider ToneOp Fit’s Balanced Diet Plan, guided by a diet coach. |
| 2. Regular check-ups | Annual health check-ups can help detect and treat underlying medical conditions early before they cause significant weight loss. |
| 3. Manage chronic conditions | For chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, or gastrointestinal diseases), work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively and prevent complications like weight loss. |
| 4. Mental health care | Address and seek therapy or counselling for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. |
| 5. Stress management | Practice stress-reducing techniques like exercise, meditation, or hobbies to avoid unwanted weight loss. |
Treatment | |
| 1. Medical evaluation | If unexplained weight loss occurs, a healthcare provider will first perform a physical examination and run tests like blood tests, imaging, and biopsies to determine the underlying cause. |
| 2. Treat the underlying condition |
|
| 3. Nutritional support | If weight loss is due to malnutrition or a lack of appetite, working with a nutritionist or dietitian can help you develop a meal plan and supplementations to address your nutritional needs. |
| 4. Mental health support | Therapy, medication, or support groups can help treat mental health conditions that affect appetite and eating behaviour. |
Expert’s Advice
Unexplained weight loss in men can occur for many reasons. It can range from inflammatory to psychological conditions. That is why it is important that a person undergoes routine examinations every 6 months, to monitor his health and stay up to date on their physical well being. These routine checks make people more aware of their being and help avoid potential health problems.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Unexpected weight loss may need important medical attention, and in most cases, the cause of weight loss in men can be managed with treatment or even diet. Unexpected weight loss can signal an underlying health problem that needs to be diagnosed. See a doctor if you experience sudden weight loss to determine the main cause or condition and treat it accordingly.
FAQs
1. What psychological factors can be the reason for weight loss in men?
Psychological factors such as depression or anxiety can significantly affect appetite and eating habits, leading to unintended weight loss in men.
2. Why do I have diarrhoea and abdominal pain along with weight loss?
If you are experiencing diarrhoea and abdominal pain, your weight loss may be related to GI disorders and should be treated by a doctor.
3. Why am I experiencing weight loss with increased thirst and urinating more than usual?
Experiencing weight loss, increased thirst, and frequent urination could be signs of diabetes, particularly Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Can medications lead to sudden weight loss in male patients?
Yes, medications can lead to sudden weight loss in male patients. Certain drugs, such as metformin, bupropion, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, are known to suppress appetite or enhance metabolism, resulting in weight loss.
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss
- https://www-mayoclinic-org.translate.goog/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss/basics/definition/sym-20050700?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=hi&_x_tr_hl=hi&_x_tr_pto=rq#:~:text=The%20point%20at%20which%20unexplained,you%27re%20an%20older%20adult.
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/177787-how-to-lose-weight-jumping-rope-20-minutes-every-day/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/sudden-weight-loss-10-reasons-you-are-shedding-too-much-weight-unexpectedly-101670659143204.html
- https://www.sarvodayahospital.com/blog/sudden-weight-loss-might-be-more-than-what-you-think
- https://www.apollohospitals.com/health-library/unexplained-weight-loss-causes-symptoms-prevention-and-treatment/
- https://www.wockhardthospitals.com/articles/general-health/sudden-weight-loss-10-reasons-you-are-shedding-too-much-weight-unexpectedly/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/unexplained-weight-loss#fa-qs
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