Hospital Virtual Tour

Weight loss - unintentional - Overview

Alternative Names

Loss of weight

Definition of Weight loss - unintentional:

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.

See: Intentional weight loss

Common Causes:

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, chemotherapy drugs, laxatives (when abused), 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

Reviewed last on: 2/22/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bistrian BR. Nutritional assessment. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 233.

Noel MB, Thompson M, Wadland Wc, Holtrop JS. Nutrition and family medicine. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 48.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)