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What organ causes unintentional weight loss?

The thyroid produces certain hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, so an excess of these hormones often causes the body to burn more energy than usual. Burning more energy and calories can lead to unintentional or unexplained weight loss.

medicalnewstoday.com - Unexplained weight loss: Causes and when to see a doctor

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In this article, learn about the possible causes of unexplained weight loss and when to see a doctor. However, a person may wish to see a doctor if they experience significant weight loss that has no clear explanation. People may gain or lose weight in response to seasonal changes or when facing important or stressful life changes, such as moving home or starting a new job. Most people are very aware of the dangerous consequences of weight gain, and many articles focus on ways to lose weight. However, unintended weight loss can also jeopardize a person’s health or indicate an underlying medical condition. Unexplained weight loss occurs when people lose weight without changing their diet or exercise routine. Several medical conditions can cause unexplained weight loss. People can help their doctor pinpoint the underlying cause by paying attention to any additional symptoms that they experience.

The following problems and conditions may cause unexplained weight loss:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more hormones than the body requires. People sometimes refer to this condition as an overactive thyroid. The thyroid produces certain hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, so an excess of these hormones often causes the body to burn more energy than usual. Burning more energy and calories can lead to unintentional or unexplained weight loss.

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

fatigue

tremor with shaking hands

muscle weakness

difficulty sleeping

rapid heartbeat

changes in mood, such as an increase in irritability or nervousness

diarrhea

a swelling in the neck, called goiter

Depression

The symptoms of depression can also cause weight loss.

In a 2017 prospective study , researchers examined the causes of unexplained weight loss in 2,677 adults. They identified depression as the underlying cause in 7% of the participants. According to the researchers behind a 2016 study , there is evidence to suggest that people with depression may have associated suppressed interplay among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which may affect the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Changes to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can also affect the adrenal glands, which produce multiple hormones. These hormones include cortisol, which helps regulate blood pressure, blood glucose level, and metabolism .

Other symptoms of depression include:

persistent or recurring feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or apathy

changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual

unintentional weight loss or weight gain

fatigue

nausea

low blood pressure, or hypotension

dizziness

muscle cramps

abnormally darkened areas of skin, or hyperpigmentation

low levels of sugar and sodium in the blood

high levels of potassium in the blood

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low red blood cell count, or anemia

high white blood cell count (leukocytosis), typically due to too many eosinophils

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions with immune system dysfunction: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, only affects the large intestine. IBD can reduce the body’s ability to digest food properly or absorb nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. Weight loss is a common symptom of both conditions, especially among younger people. Other symptoms of IBD include:

frequent diarrhea

abdominal pain

bloody stools due to GI tract bleeding

fatigue

fever

Muscle loss

Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when the muscles shrink or waste away. This condition can cause unexplained weight loss.

Possible causes of muscle loss include:

inactivity due to an injury

malnutrition

aging

a stroke

multiple sclerosis (MS)

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

People can often prevent muscle loss through proper nutrition and regular exercise. Physical therapy after an injury or stroke may help reverse or prevent muscle loss.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. Although the Arthritis Foundation estimate that two-thirds of people who have RA are overweight or have obesity, people who have RA may experience weight loss. This weight loss may occur because the chronic inflammation that RA causes forces the body to use more energy. In addition, people who have RA may experience muscle loss because the inflammation in their joints keeps them from engaging in regular physical activity. Some medications that people take to treat RA may cause side effects, such as diarrhea and loss of appetite, which can also contribute to weight loss.

Cancer

Although cancer symptoms tend to vary depending on the type, stage, and location of the disease, unexplained weight loss is sometimes a sign of cancer. Cancer refers to any disease in which abnormal and mutated cells rapidly multiply and eventually invade healthy tissue. Weight loss is especially common in lung cancer and cancers that affect the digestive tract, such as:

Other early symptoms of cancer to pay attention to include:

fatigue

fever

pain

digestive issues

changes in bowel or bladder function

skin changes

a persistent cough

Other possible causes

A person may also experience unexplained weight loss as a result of:

medicalnewstoday.com - Unexplained weight loss: Causes and when to see a doctor

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