Weight loss - unintentional
Definition
Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. In other words, you did not try to loss the weight by dieting or exercising.
Alternative Names
Loss of weightCauses
There are many causes of unintentional weight loss. Some are listed below:
- AIDS
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diarrhea that is chronic (lasts a long time)
- Drugs, including amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxative abuse, and thyroid medications
- Drug abuse
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Infection
- Loss of appetite
- Malnutrition
- Manipulative behavior (in children)
- Painful mouth sores, mouth braces, or a loss of teeth that prevent you from eating normally
- Smoking
Note: This list may not be all inclusive
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