Unintentional weight loss.
Unintentional weight loss is an involuntary decrease of body weight which  reaches the 5-10% within six months. The condition can be associated with decreased food intake, increased metabolism or both. High metabolism can occur due to excessive exercise or hormonal disorders.
Unintentional weight loss must be taken in serious consideration, since it can be a sign of a huge range of medical or mental disorders. Early investigation regarding the underlying cause of unintentional weight loss is sometimes vital, since various types of cancer can be behind this condition.
For instance, cancer of bowel, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas can be present.
Unintentional weight loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance, thinning hair, mental disorders, reduced immunity and significant muscle waste.
When the condition appears in elderly, must be assessed very carefully. Unintentional weight loss is a matter of great concern in elderly people, because while occurring, it can increase the risk for infections, depression and potential death.
Causes of unintentional weight loss.
As it has been mentioned, very often the condition is a sign of other underlying health problems. There is a wide range of unintentional weight loss causes including endocrine or gastrointestinal conditions, tumors and neurological disorders or psychiatric problems. Causative factors of unintentional weight loss can be diabetes, pancreatitis, AIDS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, depression, excessive stress and anxiety.
Other causes include painful mouth sores, newly applied orthodontic appliances, loss of teeth, malnutrition
or nutritional malabsorption, loss of appetite, drug abuse, smoking, undiagnosed anorexia or bulimia nervosa, tuberculosis, acute or chronic infections, parasitic illness, chronic diarrhea, hyperthyroidism.
Certain drugs can result in unintentional weight loss. These medications may include amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxatives and thyroid medications.
Treatment of unintentional weight loss.
Treatment of unintentional weight loss is strictly associated with the treatment of the problem that causes this condition.
Occasionally, unintentional weight loss may occur due to inadequate or inappropriate food consumption. In such cases, the caloric intake will be evaluated by a dietician and perhaps a four or six meal daily nutritional plan will be suggested. A comprehensive supplementation may be required. In combination with a correct diet, a progressive physical activity plan may be applied. Moderate weight training, for instance, can prevent any further loss and restore the wasted muscle tissue.
Appetite stimulants can be a pharmaceutical aid but they must be used, according to a specialist's advice, since they may lead, apart from muscle tissue restoration, to excessive fat gain.
After a very careful assessment, more radical treatment may be followed. Growth hormone, anabolic steroids or testosterone may be given to help muscle gaining. This will be done, only if it is absolutely necessary, since the above drugs have numerous side-effects.
Intravenous
feeding may be required in heavy chronic illnesses. This will prevent any further weight loss, malnutrition and muscle tissue waste. |
