Weight loss (unintentional)

Alternative names:

loss of weight

Definition:

A decrease in body weight that is not deliberately caused. Weight loss will occur with decreased food intake, increased metabolism, or both. See also intentional weight loss.

Considerations:

There are many causes of unintentional weight loss including endocrine, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric disorders, as well as nutritional deficiencies, infections, tumors and neurological disorders.

Anorexia nervosa is rare. It appears almost exclusively in adolescent girls. While many teenagers go through a phase of excess dieting (see intentional weight loss), only a few actually develop anorexia nervosa. Of those who do, up to 15% die from complications of the condition. Anorexic girls tend to come from families that often talk about the "right" amounts or kinds of things to eat, and these girls may use their refusal to eat as a way to manipulate their parents. See also bulimia.

Common causes:

• manipulative behavior (in children)
• unrealistic expectations of caretakers (with children)
• depression
• conditions that prevent food consumption such as painful mouth sores, newly applied orthodontic appliances, or loss of teeth
• malnutrition
• drug abuse and smoking
• acute infection
• loss of appetite
• drugs (including amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxative abuse, and thyroid medications)
• unrecognized intentional weight loss
• unrecognized anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• AIDS
• malignancy

Note: There may be other causes of unintentional weight loss. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for unintentional weight loss, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.