Weight loss

What is important to know

It is important to take into account not only the fact of weight loss itself, but also its speed, severity and circumstances of its occurrence.

When depressed, a person may eat less due to decreased appetite, loss of pleasure from food, apathy, or lack of energy to prepare food. Sometimes a person simply starts skipping meals and does not immediately notice a change in weight.

With anxiety, nutrition may decrease due to nausea, internal tension or lack of hunger.

However, unintentional weight loss should not automatically be attributed to an emotional state. It may be associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and metabolic disorders, infections, chronic diseases and other medical reasons.

How weight loss may manifest itself

A person may notice that:

clothes became looser;

body weight gradually or rapidly decreases;

decreased appetite;

portions become smaller or meals are skipped more often;

saturation occurs faster;

food no longer brings pleasure;

weakness or decreased energy appeared;

physical endurance has decreased;

those around him began to notice a change in appearance;

weight decreases, although the person did not try to lose weight.

What to pay attention to

Was the weight loss intentional or did it happen without lifestyle changes?

How quickly body weight changes.

Has your appetite decreased?

Have your eating habits and portion sizes changed?

Do you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bowel problems, or difficulty swallowing?

Are you experiencing severe thirst or frequent urination?

Is there fever, night sweats, pain, or other physical symptoms?

Whether depressed mood, anxiety, apathy or loss of interest persist.

Whether there is a fear of gaining weight, deliberate dietary restriction, or expressed concern about body shape.

Whether vomiting, excessive exercise, or other means of controlling weight occur.

Did weight loss begin after the medication was prescribed or its dosage changed?

Whether alcohol or other substances are used.

What can help

If your weight has decreased due to a temporary decrease in appetite, it is useful to maintain regular meals and not wait for a pronounced feeling of hunger. Sometimes it's easier to eat small meals several times a day.

If you are depressed or very tired, you can temporarily simplify your diet and choose foods that do not require much effort to prepare.

If weight loss continues for no apparent reason, you should not limit yourself to trying to increase your caloric intake on your own. It is important to first find out the possible cause.

When to ask for help

Contact your doctor if weight loss is unintentional, the change becomes noticeable, or continues for no clear reason.

It is especially important to get a medical evaluation if weight loss is accompanied by severe weakness, persistent pain, prolonged fever, night sweats, vomiting, bowel problems, difficulty swallowing, extreme thirst, or frequent urination.

If weight loss is associated with intentional dietary restriction, expressed fear of gaining weight, episodes of overeating, vomiting or other compensatory actions, it is worth contacting a specialist with experience in working with eating disorders.

If weight loss is accompanied by persistent depression, loss of interest, apathy, or feelings of hopelessness, a mental health assessment is also necessary.

If a person has virtually stopped eating or drinking, is rapidly becoming weaker, or is unable to maintain adequate nutrition, it is best not to delay medical care.