Have you noticed your clothes feeling looser even though you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits? While many people work hard to lose weight, unintentional weight loss can signal a health concern worth exploring.
This means losing weight without changing your eating or activity habits. At first, it might seem like a good thing, but if you lose 5% or more of your body weight in six to twelve months without trying, you should talk to your doctor. This type of weight loss can be related to health problems such as thyroid issues, digestive disorders, or even cancer.
Sometimes, unexpected weight loss can be connected to cancer, which is why checking in with your doctor matters. Cancer can change how your body uses energy, causing your body to burn through calories more quickly. Some cancers, especially those in the digestive system, pancreas, lungs, or ovaries, often cause unexplained weight loss early on. Cancer may stop your body from absorbing nutrients well, or tumors may cause hormone changes that affect how your body handles food and energy.
Unexpected weight loss can happen for many other reasons:
- Hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism, leading to weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.
- Diabetes can lead to weight loss when your body cannot properly use glucose for energy.
- Digestive conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or chronic pancreatitis may prevent your body from absorbing nutrients effectively.
- Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can suppress appetite and lead to decreased food intake.
- Certain medications may also affect appetite or how your body processes nutrients.
At Astera, your doctor will usually begin by asking about your medical history, current symptoms, and any recent changes in your life. They will do a physical exam and may order blood tests to check for things like thyroid problems, diabetes, kidney issues, or infections. Depending on what they find, your doctor might suggest imaging tests like a CT scan of your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to look for anything unusual. You may also need other tests, such as an endoscopy to check your digestive tract, or tests tailored to your needs.
The most important thing is not to panic, but to take action. Many causes of unintentional weight loss can be treated, especially if detected early. If you’ve experienced unexplained weight loss, don’t wait to seek answers. Contact Astera Cancer Care to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our experienced oncology team. Our team is here to help you understand what’s happening and find answers together.