Weight Loss: Causes, Treatment & Help

When weight loss or weight loss occurs, the result is a reduction in body weight. In this process, various causes can be decisive for weight loss. In addition to everyday reasons, such as a diet or fasting, but also numerous diseases can provide for a loss of body weight. Typical diseases here are gastrointestinal diseases, hormonal diseases and numerous infectious diseases.

What is weight loss?

Weight loss or weight loss can be intentional, for example as part of a diet. But equally, it can also be a symptom of a disease. Especially in medical conditions such as gastric ulcer, thyroid disease, and lung, pancreatic, or esophageal cancer, loss of appetite and weight loss are often observed as a typical symptom. However, weight loss may also depend on other factors – such as diet, stress and exercise. In a healthy person, weight normally remains constant. Small fluctuations in weight are normal and no cause for concern – severe, unwanted or unexplained fluctuations should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.

Causes

Normally, weight loss is caused by a deficient or incorrect diet. However, exercise, a lot of exercise, stress or psychological stress can also cause weight loss. Weight loss also always involves a loss of important, endogenous substances, such as salt and minerals. First and foremost, when losing weight, the body turns to carbohydrates and only then to fat reserves. However, when these run out, muscle and tissue mass are also lost. Therefore, it is important to monitor one’s own weight loss and, if necessary, to counteract it if it is undesirable or too drastic. Especially if the causes are unclear, the way to the doctor is inevitable. This clarifies in an anamnesis first the life circumstances of the patient, in order to find out whether these are responsible for the weight loss. Around one in ten people suffer from severe personal or professional stress, and weight loss can be one of the consequences. Another cause of weight loss could be an incorrect and irregular diet. Subsequently, the physical condition, fitness and also health are clarified in various examinations. This is to exclude another cause of weight loss: Cancerous tumors. Tumors rob the body of nutrients and make it use up its own reserves to compensate for the losses. Last, many diseases are also responsible for weight loss. Most diseases that can contribute to weight loss are usually gastrointestinal disorders. However, hormonal disorders and infectious diseases can also cause severe weight loss.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Syphilis
  • Leukemia
  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Heart muscle inflammation
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Anorexia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • AIDS
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Pancreatitis

When should you go to the doctor?

If there are no signs of disease and the weight loss can be attributed to stress, for example, the energy intake probably does not meet the need. The body is building up reserves to compensate for the energy deficit. If such weight changes are temporary and due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits, they are generally harmless and easily remedied by adjusting eating habits accordingly. In contrast, unintentional weight loss for no apparent reason is suspicious and should be clarified by a doctor. Especially if this is observed within a short period of time. A weight loss is always questionable if it amounts to more than 10 percent of the body weight within the last 6 months. If other non-specific complaints such as listlessness, reduced performance and fatigue are also present, this may indicate an underlying disease.Pain, fever, night sweats and digestive problems in combination with weight loss also require clarification in any case. People who tend to be thin in general should consult a doctor sooner than people of normal weight if the weight drops suddenly and without any apparent reason. Weight loss is critical if it leads to underweight (= body mass index below 18.5). Extreme weight loss due to an eating disorder such as bulimia can also be life-threatening if left untreated.

Treatment and therapy

Only when the actual cause has been found can weight loss be specifically treated. This is because the various treatment methods differ depending on the cause of the present weight loss. If diseases, demonstrable bacteria or a parasite infestation are present, medication can be used to combat the weight loss. The situation is different for diseases of the thyroid gland, which usually cause weight loss. Although this can be kept in check with medication and a change in diet, it cannot be completely eliminated due to the heavy consumption of nutrients by the disease. If stress or psychological burdens trigger the weight loss, a special psychotherapy is the best possible treatment against the weight loss. However, this can also be stopped or reduced with medication and a change in diet. In the case of an incorrect diet, professional nutritional counseling provides a remedy for weight loss.

Outlook and prognosis

If temporary effects such as stress, grief or a flu-like infection are responsible for the weight loss, the appetite and subsequently the weight of the affected person normalize by themselves as soon as the trigger is removed again. Gastrointestinal disorders can cause sufferers to eat less due to pain or not absorb the nutrients they are given properly. In these cases, the underlying diseases must first be treated. Subsequently, the weight usually normalizes on its own. However, if weight loss is severe, it cannot be ruled out that weight gain will be uneven and body proportions will change permanently. If the weight loss results from hyperthyroidism, the weight usually normalizes as soon as the thyroid disorder has been treated and the metabolism is back in balance. If the weight loss is the result of severe anorexia, such as bulimia, the eating disorder must first be corrected. Eating disorders are generally complex, and patients must be prepared for a lengthy therapy. If weight loss is planned as part of a reduction diet, the chances of success depend on a number of factors. If the reduced calorie intake was accompanied by a change in diet, the chances of permanent weight loss are high. This is even more true if the person concerned ensures sufficient exercise in the future and exercises regularly.

Prevention

Weight loss cannot be counteracted in all cases. In the case of serious illnesses, regular preventive care and a quick trip to the doctor at the first symptoms are the only way to keep weight loss as low as possible. In other cases, such as stress and psychological strain, weight loss can be prevented by counteracting the moments of stress with relaxation exercises. Otherwise, a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a high fluid intake are good ways to prevent unwanted weight loss. Especially when traveling to tropical countries, it should be mentioned to drink only boiled water. Likewise, most food should be boiled or fried to kill possible germs. Severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever can otherwise quickly deplete the body, causing severe weight loss and muscle weakness.

This is what you can do yourself

If weight loss is not underlying a serious illness, numerous self-treatment measures can provide relief. Lack of appetite can be counteracted with sufficient exercise in the fresh air. In addition, it is advisable to keep regular mealtimes. The body will let you know as soon as the fixed times are exceeded. It is also advisable to think about the ambience when eating. Lovingly prepared food and a comfortable environment will ensure a good appetite. It is advisable to season meals properly.Moreover, weight loss can be counteracted by eating together with other people. Stress is often responsible for loss of appetite. To prevent weight loss from progressing further, it is advisable to reduce stress by consistently applying relaxation methods. Meditation, tai chi, autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation have proved particularly effective. To stimulate the appetite and inhibit weight loss, some home remedies are also available. Worth mentioning is ginger water. This should be consumed throughout the day. To prepare it, a few slices of ginger are poured over with hot water. Before drinking, the water should steep for a few minutes. Appetite can also be stimulated by eating bitter foods. Half a grapefruit should be consumed in the morning – chicory or alternatively arugula salad at noon.