Introduction
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 unintended or unexplained weight loss.
How much weight can you lose due to stress?
On average, it is not uncommon to lose 10-15% of your total body weight due to the anxiety and chronic stress it causes. Always talk to your doctor if you’ve lost a lot of weight quickly.
How do I know if I’m losing weight due to stress?
Signs that weight loss is related to stress
headache.
indigestion.
aches.
tense muscles.
mood swings.
fatigue.
difficulty falling or staying asleep.
difficulty with memory short term.
Can stress make you lose weight unintentionally?
It is often normal to lose a noticeable amount of weight after, for example, the stress of a job change, divorce, layoff or bereavement. The weight often returns to normal when you start to feel happier. This can happen after you’ve had time to cry or get used to the change.
Why am I losing weight for no reason?
Unintentional weight loss has many different causes. It can be caused by a stressful event such as a divorce, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. It can also be caused by malnutrition, a health problem or a combination of factors.
What tests are done for unexplained weight loss?
Common tests done include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) (CBC): A complete blood count can reveal signs of infections, anemia (which can be caused by many conditions causing unwanted weight loss), etc
Thyroid panel.
Liver function tests.
Kidney function tests.
Blood sugar (glucose)
Urinalysis.
When should I be worried about unexplained weight loss?
If you’re losing weight without trying and you’re worried, see your health care provider. Typically, losing more than 5% of your weight over 6-12 months can indicate a problem.
How to regain weight after stress?
If you’ve lost your appetite due to anxiety or stress, try one of these steps to get it back:
Identify your stressors. .
Make sure you get enough sleep. .
Consider eating on a schedule. .
Find foods you can tolerate and stick to them.
What types of cancer cause unexplained weight loss?
According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of esophageal, pancreatic, stomach, and lung cancers. Other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, are more likely to cause weight loss when a tumor grows large enough to press on the stomach.
What is rapid weight loss?
Rapid weight loss dieting is a type of diet in which you lose more than 2 pounds (1 kilogram, kg) per week for several weeks.
Conclusion
Unintentional weight loss usually develops over weeks or months. It can be a sign of a significant physical or mental disorder and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The causative disorder may be obvious (eg, chronic diarrhea due to malabsorption syndrome.
