Weight is an important indicator of a person’s health, so losing weight for no apparent reason can be a worrying symptom. SM-Clinic endocrinologist Yulia Vereina told socialbites.ca about what pathological conditions and diseases rapid weight loss can be an indicator of.
“A decrease in body weight of more than 5%, against the background of deteriorating health, without training and diet, is a serious signal that requires attention. Therefore, if you have such a symptom, you should definitely get help from a specialist,” he said.
The causes of fatigue can range from underweight and malnutrition to serious health problems, he says.
“Weight loss and slimming may occur, especially due to metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This includes some infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and sepsis. Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease can cause weakness due to inflammation, increased metabolism, and poor digestion. “Don’t forget inflammatory bowel disease,” Vereina said.
Separately, the doctor focused on hyperthyroidism, that is, increased function of the thyroid gland. According to him, in this disorder, the production of thyroid hormones increases, which can lead to an increase in energy metabolism, the burning of stored fat and, as a result, weight loss. In this case, in addition to weight loss, increased anxiety, sleep disorders and rapid heartbeat may also occur.
“In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, the production of hormones that regulate hunger and satiety is often impaired. “This causes loss of appetite and a feeling of discomfort while eating, which causes the amount of food consumed and, accordingly, the patient’s weight to decrease,” he said.
He also noted that the cause of exhaustion may be mental disorders (anorexia and bulimia), in which the patient’s attitude towards food changes.
“Exhaustion is a serious symptom that needs attention. Remember that consulting a doctor will help determine the cause of fatigue and take the necessary measures to regain health,” Vereina said.
existed before named diet followed by long-livers.