Q: I haven’t changed my diet or exercise routine, but I’ve lost weight without trying. Should I be concerned?
A: Unexplained weight loss can be easy to dismiss, especially if the number on the scale is moving in a direction many people welcome. But when weight loss happens without a clear reason, it is worth paying attention.
In general, losing more than 5% of your body weight over six to 12 months without trying is considered medically significant. While there are many harmless explanations, unexplained weight loss can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying medical issue.
Common causes include thyroid disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions that affect how the body absorbs nutrients and mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. Certain medications can also reduce appetite or change metabolism. In some cases, unexplained weight loss may be linked to more serious conditions, including cancer, although most people with unexplained weight loss do not end up with that diagnosis.
Other symptoms can offer helpful clues. Fatigue, changes in appetite, night sweats, ongoing pain, changes in bowel habits or feeling full more quickly than usual should prompt a conversation with your physician sooner rather than later.
The good news is that a basic medical evaluation often provides answers. A physical exam, lab work and a review of medications and lifestyle can identify many common causes. Even when the explanation turns out to be something minor, checking in early can provide reassurance and help prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.
If you notice unexplained weight loss, do not ignore it or assume it will resolve on its own. A visit with your primary care physician is often the best first step toward understanding what is happening and protecting your long-term health.
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Dr. Nikki Caton is a family physician with CommonSpirit Medical Group – Family Medicine – Ooltewah and is a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.