Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 15, 2014 5:36 PM IST
Hi, I am a 50-year-old female. I have lost 5 kg weight in 3 months without exercising and dieting. Apart from feeling fatigued, I don't experience any other health issues. What is the cause of this unexplained weight loss? Do I suffer from any serious health problem? I am very worried.
Sudden weight loss coupled with fatigue is a sign of clinical condition that needs to be taken into consideration before it turns into a serious health problem. Although the exact cause of unexplained weight loss is not known, it might be caused due to an underlying health complication and thus, requires clinical attention. However, drastic changes in weight can be a warning sign of a progressive illness. Here are some of the possible causes of unexplained weight loss that might be the reason for.
Diabetes: Characterized by high blood sugar levels in the body, people suffering from diabetes show symptoms such as excessive thirst or urination, tingling sensation, weight loss and fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism: Over-active thyroid gland causes severe weight changes along with mood swings, palpitation, fatigue, shortness of breath and increased sweating.
Cancer: Although the signs and symptoms of cancer depend on its type, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are one of the common symptoms seen in most cases of cancer.
Tuberculosis: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, people suffering from this disease experience chest pain, coughing and night sweats in addition to fatigue and drastic weight changes.
Depression: Apart from lack of sleep and stress, depressed people also experience sudden weight changes.
HIV/AIDS: HIV infection may not show any significant signs in its initial stage but as the disease progresses, various symptoms tend to appear.
Addison's disease: It is a hormonal disorder of adrenal gland that is characterized by muscle weakness and low blood pressure in addition to sudden weight loss and fatigue.
Stomach disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem that causes sudden weight loss along with abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Chronic illness: Parkinson's disease and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are the common chronic conditions that may cause sudden weight loss.
These are some of the common diseases that might result in unexplained weight loss and fatigue. But the exact cause of your health condition can only be determined through health check-up and clinical examination. Hence, consult a doctor to detect your illness at the earliest and get treated for it immediately.
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