Weight change refers to a serious change in weight. This can mean weight gain, as well as weight loss in relation to the normal weight.
Causes
A weight loss or gain can have many different reasons and shall be presented in the following subdivided.
Weight loss
If weight loss is unintentional, that is, it is not a cause of intentional weight loss through diet, fasting, stress or exercise, the cause may be a disease. Also, pathological weight loss itself can lead to anorexia and should be treated medically. See also the article on loss of appetite. Typical diseases for in weight loss can be gastrointestinal infections, diarrheal diseases, cancers, allergies and worm infections.
Weight gain
Weight gain is usually completely normal due to growth and pregnancy. However, the most common reason for weight gain in the Western world, is that of increased food intake (energy gain) with lower energy expenditure due to exercise, work and sports. The typical disease representatives here are obesity (adiposity, obesity). These diseases in turn are responsible for many other diseases, some of which can be fatal. Examples would be heart failure, myocarditis, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, weight gain can also occur in some metabolic diseases and hormonal disorders and are to be treated by a doctor.
Diseases with this symptom
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Infectious diseases
- Hormonal disorders
- Rubella
- Graves’ disease
- Food intolerance
- Crohn’s disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Measles
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Gluten intolerance
- Hypothyroidism
- Mumps
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
When should you see a doctor?
A small change in weight is usually not a cause for concern. Especially in women, weight fluctuates by several kilograms over the course of a month. In addition, most people gain some weight over the years. A higher weight that develops over several years can be controlled by regular examinations by a doctor and often by a change in lifestyle habits. Rapid increases with no apparent cause should definitely be discussed with the doctor, who will initiate the necessary investigations. The situation is similar with weight loss. Those who have changed their lifestyle are happy about the lower weight. However, anyone who suddenly and quite quickly loses weight without a cause should definitely consult a doctor. A weight reduction that is inexplicable at first glance can have various causes and should be treated in most cases. In any case, a visit to the doctor is indicated when a feeling of indisposition occurs. Usually the instinct signals that something is wrong. Anyone who no longer feels well is best to consult their family doctor first. This will refer to the specialists if necessary.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the cause, unusual weight gain or loss should always be examined more closely by a doctor. Self-treatment is only advisable if the weight gain or loss is demonstrably due to increased or low calorie consumption. In this case, plenty of exercise and a healthy and balanced diet are particularly successful.
Outlook and prognosis
A change in weight does not necessarily have to have a negative effect on the body. For example, those who want to lose or gain weight can see through the weight change whether the project works or not. Therefore, in most cases, a weight change does not need to be treated. Usually, an unintentional weight change is related to a change in diet. Often this diet is unhealthy for the body, so the weight increases. Therefore, a change in weight may indicate a new eating habit, possibly brought on by stress or other symptoms. Thus, the affected person may also quickly develop obesity, which is a very unhealthy condition for the body. Therefore, when a weight change occurs, the patient should always make sure that the weight remains within a normal range.However, a change in weight can also occur unintentionally. It is often a sign of a disease of the thyroid gland, this disease should be treated in any case. The treatment is done with medications. The weight change can also occur due to hormones that have been artificially added to the body. If the weight change is very severe and starts suddenly, it may indicate another serious problem with the body. In this case, an examination must be performed at the doctor’s office. Most of the time, however, the weight change is an intentional symptom.
Prevention
Obesity and anorexia usually do not have to occur if the patient eats a normal, healthy diet and exercises normally. A healthy amount of exercise can be particularly effective in this regard.
What you can do yourself
If there is a change in weight, it is very important to find out the cause and take any necessary medication. It is also possible that the doctor or nutritionist will order dietary supplements. In addition, a food diary can help keep control of food intake. For both weight gain and weight loss, it is especially important that all information be honest and complete. Such a diary typically records when what was eaten and in what quantity. A healthy and balanced diet plays a key role in weight loss. The diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals and include an appropriate amount of calories. If the weight change is due to a digestive system disorder, special diets can help reduce symptoms. If the weight change is due to an eating disorder or other mental health issues directly related to eating, the current mood can also be noted in the food diary. This reflection can help to gain clarity about personal triggers. In the case of unwanted weight gain, sports and exercise in everyday life are also a good means of self-help. Gentle sports such as swimming are advantageous, as the joints are less stressed in water. Light strength training with a fitness band is also easy to do at home. In case of doubt, however, medical or physiotherapeutic advice is advisable so that the sport does not cause overstraining.
