Weight loss Psychological causes
Weight loss is any weight loss. It can be voluntary (the consequence of a diet) or involuntary.
In this case, weight loss is a potentially worried symptom, especially when it corresponds to a loss of at least 10% of weight in less than a year. This threshold is random but is often used as a “benchmark” by the medical community (which also sometimes uses the threshold of 5% less weight in 6 months).
Weight loss can be isolated or accompanied by other, very varied symptoms.
When it is not voluntary, weight loss can be a sign of a sometimes serious underlying disease, such as cancer. It is therefore, important to pay attention and consult your doctor if in doubt. Your doctor may order blood tests, among other things to try to understand the cause.
What are the causes of weight loss?
Weight loss can have a multitude of causes.
Psychological causes are implicated 50% of cases of weight loss requiring a medical check-up. Depression, in particular, often leads to a persistent loss of appetite.
Next come organic causes, including digestive diseases. However, numerous pathologies, such as cardiovascular, endocrine, or autoimmune pathologies, for example, can lead to weight loss.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of potential causes of weight loss:
Cancer: Weight loss is common, and it is often one of the first symptoms. About 40% of people diagnosed with cancer report losing weight in the previous months.
Celiac disease: it is frequently accompanied by weight loss, linked to absorption of food in the digestive tract.
Gastric ulcer: it is generally responsible for a loss of appetite, gastric pain and digestive difficulties which can lead to weight loss.
Crown's disease: With other inflammatory bowel diseases, Crown's disease is often associated with the weight loss.
Diabetes: it is usually typing 1 diabetes which manifests as severe dehydration and rapid weight loss.
Heart failure: Although it can lead to fluid retention and therefore weight gain, heart failure can also, especially at an advanced stage, cause a loss of the muscle mass and weight.
Infectious disease (HIV infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.)
Hypo or hyperthyroidism: like other endocrine diseases, the deregulation of thyroid hormones can have an influence on weight.
Neurological disease (dementia, Parkinson's disease, etc.)
Respiratory disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes weight loss.
The abuse of certain substances (drugs, alcohol or medicines) can also lead to weight loss.
In the elderly, loss of appetite is common, leading to sometimes severe malnutrition, which is accompanied by rapid weight loss.
What are the consequences of losing weight?
If losing excess weight is often desirable to maintain health, involuntary weight loss, especially if it persists and reaches a significant threshold, should alert. They are usually a sign of an underlying, sometimes serious, disease. Weight loss, if it is severe, can also be a sign of malnutrition, that is to say a deficiency in certain nutrients (for example in the elderly or in people with digestive disease)
