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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffPossible causes of unexplained weight loss include:
- Changes in diet or activity level. Skipping meals, a mild illness, eating on the run, a hectic schedule or eating less fat may contribute to unexpected weight loss. Intense exercise or training, if it's not balanced by an increase in appetite and calorie intake, also can cause weight loss.
- Cancer. Many types of cancer cause unintentional weight loss, and cancer treatment may have the same effect.
- Gastrointestinal diseases. Several conditions affecting your digestive system can cause weight loss due to loss of appetite and malabsorption, when your body doesn't break down and absorb the nutrients it needs for energy. These conditions can include inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease and others. Some of these conditions cause weight loss even when you're eating as much as, or more than, you usually do.
- Endocrine disorders. Abnormalities of your body's endocrine system, which regulates hormones and affects several body functions, can cause weight loss. These can include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and hypercalcemia.
- Infection. Several infections can cause unexpected weight loss, including tuberculosis, fungal diseases, parasites and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Aging-related appetite changes. Unexpected weight loss is more common in older adults, when altered smell or taste, nausea, depression and medications are more likely to decrease appetite.
- Medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs may cause weight loss.
- Cardiovascular and lung disease. Weight loss is a complication of advanced cardiovascular or lung diseases, such as congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Neurological illness. Weight loss can be a secondary symptom of neurological system diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia and Parkinson disease.
- Kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, you may lose weight due to nausea, vomiting, and losing protein through your urine.
- Mood or mental health changes. Anxiety, stress and depression can affect your weight.
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
