Unexplained or unintentional weight loss is a drop in body weight that occurs even if the person is not trying to lose weight. Weight loss of 10 pounds or more, or five percent of body weight, over a period of 6 to 12 months is considered “unexplained” . There are several causes of unexplained weight loss, which can be physical or psychological, including:
- An overactive or underactive thyroid gland
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease (an inflammation of the bowels)
- Heart failure
- Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Problems with digestion, such as coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Medications
It is important to seek medical attention if you (or a family member) have weight loss that cannot be explained.
