Weight loss achieved after following a proper diet plan and exercise routine is appreciated. However, weight loss becomes a concern if it is done without any effort. Unintentional weight loss can be disturbing, especially if you are losing a lot of weight and don’t know why. This could be a sign of a chronic underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention.
Let’s take a look at a few reasons why one person may unintentionally lose weight:
Rheumatoid arthritis
In this autoimmune disease, a patient’s immune system attacks the lining of their joints, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can speed up metabolism and reduce overall weight.
Depression
According to Healthline, weight loss can be a side effect of depression, which is defined as feeling sad, lost, or empty for at least two weeks or more. The experience a person goes through during depression interferes with daily activities, such as going to work or finishing some work. This mental disorder affects the same parts of the brain that control appetite. This can lead to a poor appetite and ultimately weight loss.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Unexpected weight loss can also be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This medical condition includes several chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract. The two most common types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Those who suffer from IBD undergo a disruption of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and leptin, the satiety hormone. This results in loss of appetite and weight loss.
Overactive thyroid
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is a condition where your thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. These essential hormones control numerous functions in the body, including metabolism. Those with an overactive thyroid experience rapid calorie burn even if you have a good appetite. This can also be one of the reasons for unintentional weight loss.
muscle loss
This can happen to you if you don’t use muscles for a while. Muscle loss is common in people who are sedentary, have a desk job, or are bedridden. However, with exercise and the right diet, muscle loss can be reversed.
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