Rapid Weight Loss: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

The obesity rate and related health problems are rising, and more than half of the world's population need to shed excess weight. However, unintentional and rapid weight loss is a problem, and may be the sign of certain diseases.

Possible Causes of Rapid Weight Loss

• Rapid weight loss may be a sign of a larger problem. Possible causes include thyroid problems, medication side-effects, diabetes and cancer. Rapid weight loss may also be caused by events such as aging, menopause, loss of a loved one, depression and eating disorders.

Clinical Symptoms

• The clinical symptoms of rapid weight loss include 14q+ syndrome, 18-Hydroxylase deficiency, 18p minus syndrome, 1q deletion and 2-Hydroxyglutaricaciduria. These symptoms include failure to thrive, vomiting, growth retardation and lethargy.

Common Symptoms

• Since unintentional, unexplained and rapid weight loss degrades the quality of nutrition in the body, it weakens the immune system. It is a clear sign that the body poorly digests food, lacks food or has significantly decreased food absorption. Coughing, nausea, fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, fever, sore-throat, anxiety and depressive symptoms may be experienced.

Body Symptoms

• Children and adolescents suffering from unexplained and rapid weight loss may suffer from poor growth. For adults, a clear sign of rapid weight loss is the sudden loosening of clothing. Without immediate treatment, these symptoms can lead to body abnormalities.

Weight Symptoms

• Losing 5 percent of your weight each month, or about 10 percent of your weight in six months, is a clear sign of rapid weight loss. If you are not in a weight-loss program, you may be experiencing hormonal or thyroid issues.

What to do

• If you rapidly lose 10 percent of your body weight, consult your doctor for tests. For cases of extreme weight loss, visit a gastroenterologist.