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Weight loss - unintentional
Alternative Names:
Loss of weight
Home Care:
Practice moderation and maintain a balanced program in both diet and exercise. For weight loss caused by oral or dental problems, see the dentist. For weight loss caused by disease, follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if:
You should call your health care provider if:
-
An adolescent son or daughter has an unrealistic self-image and seems to be dieting too much
-
You have lost more than 5% of your normal body weight over 6 - 12 months, or less, and it cannot be unexplained
-
Other symptoms have occurred with the weight loss
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and measure your weight. You may be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
-
When did the weight loss begin?
-
Has the weight loss occurred suddenly or slowly?
-
How much weight have you lost?
-
Are you eating less?
-
Are you eating different foods?
-
Are you exercising more?
-
Have you been sick?
-
Do you have any dental problems or mouth sores?
-
Do you have more stress or anxiety than usual?
-
Have you vomited? Did you make yourself vomit?
-
Do you have more energy lately?
-
Is there
fainting
?
-
Do you have occasional uncontrollable
hunger
with
palpitations
,
tremor
, and
sweating
?
-
Has there been a change in vision?
-
Do you have increased
sensitivity to cold
or heat?
-
Have you had
constipation
or diarrhea?
-
Do you have
increased thirst
or drinking?
-
Are you urinating more than usual?
-
Have you lost any hair?
-
What medications/drugs are you taking?
-
Diuretics?
-
Laxatives?
-
Alcohol?
-
Street drugs?
-
Do you have severe depression?
-
Are you pleased or concerned with the weight loss?
The following tests may be done:
-
Nutritional assessment
-
Blood tests including a chemistry profile
Psychological counseling may be recommended in cases where anorexia nervosa or depression is the cause of the weight loss. For weight loss caused by a
chronic
illness, tube feeding may be needed in order to maintain nutrition and to prevent
edema
, poor healing, and
muscle wasting
.
It may be necessary to see a dietitian for nutritional counseling.
-
Review Date: 1/22/2007
-
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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