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What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss
Have you ever wondered about the answer to what causes weight loss?
Youโre not alone. From 2017 to 2018, two in every three Australian adults were considered overweight or obese, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).[1] Consequently, many Australians have been looking for safe and healthy ways to lose weight at a pace theyโre comfortable with โ but not many places offer medically backed answers.
Mosh is a men’s online health platform that aims to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of health concerns. Best of all, there are no queues at Mosh โ everything they do is online, so you connect with a medical practitioner at your convenience.
The causes of weight loss are a concern among those looking to manage their weight. Hereโs a brief rundown of some common questions we receive.
Can weight loss happen without trying?
When it comes to topics like what causes weight loss, know that weight loss can happen without trying. That being said, we should qualify this by saying that low-effort weight loss is different from not changing your lifestyle to accommodate weight loss.
Certain lifestyle changes, such as adding low-impact physical activities to your daily routine, can vastly improve your weight loss rate. Changes in oneโs diet can also trigger weight loss without requiring you to work out intensively. Addressing an underlying health condition may also have similar effects.
What are the common steps to lose weight?
Below are some of the common steps to losing weight and how some of these steps may be suited to your situation.
Healthy food and diet
When it comes to what causes weight loss, one great way to lose weight is through healthy dieting.
Your Mosh health professional will be more than happy to advise you on “How To Plan A Diet To Lose Weight” or What Should I Eat To for weight loss.
All of our medical practitioners have helped thousands of patients with various health matters, including customising diets based on individual or medical requirements. Your bodyโs nutritional needs are unique to you, and a tailored diet may help.
Staying active with exercise
Working out or staying active remains among the best ways to lose weight, especially when it concerns matters like what causes weight loss.
That being said, itโs important to progress with your exercise routines gradually, especially if you havenโt been working out recently.[2] Even if starting slowly may not seem like much, forcing your body to move with too much intensity could lead to injury instead. Start with light to moderate-intensity workouts first and work your way up as you build strength and stamina.
Evidence-based treatments
There are many reasons why you may require a medically backed treatment to help with weight management, and your Mosh healthy practitioner is more than happy to guide you through your options.
For example, if needed, Mosh can offer meal replacement shakes that complement your workout regimen or prescription treatments that are medically sound and formulated based on extensive medical research.
If appropriate, we can also guide you through medically backed weight management plans that are customised to your specific needs, which consider what causes weight loss in your unique situation.
What are the common causes of causes of unintentional weight loss?
Unintentional weight loss is when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. There are many different causes of unexplained weight loss.[3] Stressful events such as a divorce, losing a job, or the death of a loved one can lead to psychologically-triggered weight loss. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of a serious illness, including cancer or diabetes. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause of the weight loss.
Unexpected weight loss can also be caused by malnutrition, a pre-existing or acquired health condition, or a combination of both.
Other possible sudden weight loss causes may also include:
- mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, eating disorders);
- digestive health issues like coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); and
- health conditions that can affect metabolism, such as hyperthyroidism or type 2 diabetes.
If you believe one or a combination of these factors are affecting your body weight, talk to your doctor. Your safety as you progress through your weight loss plan is paramount, and any information about your current conditions will help in doing so.
Your body weight can regularly fluctuate. But the persistent, unintentional loss of more than 5 per cent of your weight over 6 to 12 months is usually a cause for concern.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/unintentional-weight-loss
Do women have a harder time losing weight?
Some studies have shown support that women are better at maintaining their current weight compared to their male counterparts and may increase their calorie intake after workouts to meet the calorie expenditure.[4]
This remains even though other studies suggest that men and women show similar weight loss maintenance behaviours.[5] Men and women also each face challenges regarding what causes weight loss for their sex.
For example, only individuals with uteruses can experience polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a condition that causes hormonal changes in a personโs body and of which sudden weight gain is a common symptom.
If you suspect you may have a condition thatโs deterring you from losing weight faster, please speak with your medical practitioner right away. Not only will it help you lose weight safely, but doing so may bring to light a condition that is keeping you from being your best self.
Mosh is dedicated to helping Australian men all over the country find the answers to their health-related questions. We aim not only to guide you to the answers that are uniquely suited to you but also to answer these questions at your own pace.
FAQs
What are the possible causes of unexplained weight loss?
The causes of unexplained weight loss include medical conditions such as overactive thyroid gland, inflammatory bowel disease, Addisonโs disease, and loss of appetite.
How much weight loss is considered unexpected?
Unexpected weight loss is typically considered to be a loss of 4- 5 kilos or more without trying over a period of 6 to 12 months.
What are some common treatment options for unexpected weight loss?
Treatment options for unexpected weight loss may include addressing the underlying medical condition, using medication, and making dietary and lifestyle changes.
What are some less common causes of unintentional weight loss?
Less common causes of unintentional weight loss may involve issues with the adrenal glands, cortisol imbalances, or problems within the digestive system.
How can weight loss in older adults be explained?
Weight loss in older adults can be attributed to various factors such as age-related muscle loss, changes in metabolism, or underlying medical conditions.
Why is it important to consult a doctor if experiencing unexpected weight loss?
Consulting a doctor is crucial when experiencing unexpected weight loss as it may indicate a serious underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed promptly.
Mosh - Proven weight loss programs
If your weight isnโt quite where you thought itโd be, youโre not alone.
But itโs never too late to reap the benefits of weight loss, which include reducing a range of health risks. Mosh weight loss programs are:
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Easy to follow
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Evidence-based
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Personalised to you by health professionals & dietitians
Get started with a quick quiz.
References
[2] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/staying-active/ย
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/unintentional-weight-loss/ย
[4] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-012-0035-6#Sec7ย