As we age, it becomes more and more common to start noticing changes in our bodies. We might not be able to run as fast as we used to or lift as much weight. And for many of us, one of the most frustrating changes can be unwanted weight loss. There are some reasons why this happens, and it is essential to understand the difference between intentional and unintentional weight loss Danbury.
Weight loss is a common goal, but sometimes people unintentionally lose weight. It can happen for various reasons, including health conditions and psychological factors. People with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic illnesses may lose weight unintentionally as their bodies fight the disease. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, or stress can also lead to unintentional weight loss.
Healthy weight loss means making lifestyle changes to eat more nutritious foods and become more active. It is beneficial since it can help lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Intentional weight loss is when you set out to lose weight through diet, exercise, or both. On the other hand, unintentional weight loss happens when you drop pounds without meaning to. It can be concerning, but there are some potential causes.
There are many causes of unintentional weight loss, such as:
- Medical conditions – Some medical conditions can cause weight loss, such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Medications – Some medications can have weight loss as a side effect, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen.
- Poor nutrition – Not getting enough nutrients can lead to weight loss, especially if you are not eating enough calories.
- Stress – Stressful life events or chronic stress can lead to weight loss.
- Age – As we age, our metabolism slows down, and we may lose muscle mass, both of which can cause weight loss.
When you know the causes, it will be easier to treat the problem. Below are some of the times you should be worried and need to speak to a weight loss specialist:
You are losing weight without trying
This situation is a cause for concern because it can indicate an underlying medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, or a thyroid problem. If you are losing weight without trying, make an appointment to see your doctor.
You are losing weight quickly
Quickly losing weight can be dangerous and is often indicative of an underlying medical condition. It is not normal to lose more than a few pounds per week, so you need to book an appointment with your doctor if you are doing so.
You have other symptoms
If you are losing weight and experiencing other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or changes in your bathroom habits, this is a cause for concern. These could be signs of an underlying medical condition, and you should speak to your doctor.
You are not eating enough
If you are not eating enough, your body will start to break down muscles for energy, leading to weight loss. It is a cause for concern because it can result in malnutrition.
If you notice weight loss that was not intentional, book an appointment at PRIME MEDISPA and talk to your doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you make lifestyle changes to regain the weight.
