Types of Weight Loss

Types of Weight Loss

Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (diet, exercise) or involuntary (unintentional) (illness) circumstances.

Unintentional weight loss is the process of losing weight without dieting or increasing physical activity. It may occur following a loss of appetite or when you are consuming the same amount of calories as usual

It may be a result of loss of fat, muscle atrophy ( in cases of extreme or severe weight loss) ,fluid loss or a combination of these. It is generally regarded as a medical problem when at least 10% of an elderly person's body weight has been lost in six months or 5% in the last month. The body mass index (BMI) is another criterion used for assessment of body weight .

Unintentional (involuntary) weight loss can occur because of an inadequately nutritious diet relative to a person's energy needs (generally called malnutrition). Disease processes, changes in metabolism(anabolism&catabolism), hormonal changes, medications or other treatments, disease- or treatment-related dietary changes, or reduced appetite(anorexia) associated with a disease or treatment can also cause unintentional weight loss.

Serious weight loss may reduce quality of life, impair treatment effectiveness or recovery, worsen disease processes and be a risk factor for earlier mortality. Malnutrition can affect every function of the human body, from the cells to the most complex functions, including:  immune response , wound healing , muscle strength (including respiratory muscles) , renal capacity and depletion leading to water and electrolyte disturbances , thermoregulation & menstruation.

Malnutrition may lead to vitamin and other deficiencies and to inactivity, which in turn may pre-dispose to other problems, such as pressure sores.

Involuntary weight loss can be the characteristic leading to diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and type 1 diabetes.

Continuing weight loss may deteriorate into wasting, it is known in medicine field as  (cachexia).

Cachexia differs from starvation as it involves a systemic inflammatory response. It is associated with poorer outcomes.

In the UK, up to 5% of the general population is underweight, but more than 10% of those with lung or gastrointestinal diseases and who have recently had surgery.

 According to data in the UK using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool ('MUST'), which incorporates unintentional weight loss, more than 10% of the population over the age of 65 is at risk of malnutrition.

Causes Unintentional Weight Loss 

Unintentional weight loss is normally the result of an underlying chronic medical condition. However, short-term illnesses such as influenza or the common cold can also cause weight loss due to abdominal discomfort.

Common causes of unintentional weight loss include:

Depression , diarrhea, oral ulcers, viral infections, such as the common cold, that can affect appetite

Other causes include:

Cancer, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) ,abdominal infection, gastroenteritis, malnutrition, dementia, Celiac disease,  HIV/AIDS

Malnutrition normally occurs as a symptom of a digestive disorder such as Celiac disease, which affects how the body absorbs nutrients, and can result in weight loss.

Symptoms of Unintentional Weight Loss:

Depending on what caused the weight loss, symptoms vary widely. The weight loss may be in one part of your body, or distributed all over. You may notice your waist, abdominal region, or arms and legs getting smaller. However, some people are unaware that they’ve lost weight until they weigh themselves.

Unintentional weight loss due to an illness may occur along with these symptoms

Fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort ,abdominal pain,diarrhea, constipation

Children who have unintentional weight loss may also have:

changes in appetite,fussiness over certain foods, physically smaller stature, abdominal pain, fever

Certain medications can cause unintentional weight loss as a side effect. If you are on any medication and experience a noticeable weight loss, consult with your doctor.