Slimming (thinness)

How does one define weight loss?

Weight loss refers to weight loss, whatever it may be. It can be voluntary (the consequence of a diet) or involuntary.

In this case, weight loss is a potentially troubling symptom, especially when it results in a loss of at least 10% of the weight in less than one year. This threshold is random but is often used as a "benchmark" by the medical community (which also sometimes uses the threshold of 5% less weight in 6 months).

Weight loss can be isolated or be accompanied by other symptoms, very varied.

When not voluntary, weight loss can be a sign of an underlying illness that is sometimes serious, such as cancer. It is therefore important to pay attention and consult your doctor if you are not sure. He may prescribe blood tests, among other things, to try to understand the cause.

What are the causes of weight loss?

Weight loss can have a multitude of causes.

Psychic causes would be involved 50% of the cases of slimming making a medical check-up necessary. Depression, in particular, often leads to a loss of persistent appetite.

Then come organic causes, and especially digestive diseases. However, a large number of pathologies, such as cardiovascular, endocrine or autoimmune diseases, for example, can lead to weight loss.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of potential causes of weight loss:

Cancer: Weight loss is common, and is often one of the first symptoms. About 40% of people diagnosed with cancer report having lost weight in previous months.

Celiac disease: It is frequently accompanied by weight loss, related to the malabsorption of food in the digestive tract.

Gastric ulcer: It is usually responsible for loss of appetite, gastric pain and digestive difficulties that can lead to weight loss.

Crohn's Disease: With other inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease is often associated with weight loss.

Diabetes: Typically type 1 diabetes manifests itself in severe dehydration and rapid weight loss.

Heart failure: Although it can lead to water retention and therefore weight gain, heart failure can also, especially at an advanced stage, cause a melting of muscle mass and weight.

Infectious disease (HIV infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.)

Hypo or hyperthyroidism: like other endocrine diseases, dysregulation of thyroid hormones can influence weight.

Neurological disease (dementia, Parkinson's disease, etc.)

Respiratory disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes weight loss.

The abuse of certain substances (drugs, alcohol or drugs) can also lead to weight loss.

In the elderly, loss of appetite is common, leading to sometimes severe malnutrition, which is accompanied by rapid weight loss.

What are the consequences of weight loss?

If losing unwanted pounds is often desirable to maintain health, unintentional weight loss, especially if it persists and reaches a significant threshold, must alert. They are usually a sign of an underlying disease, sometimes serious. Weight loss, if it is severe, can also be a sign of malnutrition, that is to say a deficiency of certain nutrients (for example in the elderly or in people with digestive disease) .

What solutions to counter weight loss?

Whether psychological or organic, the cause of weight loss needs to be identified in order to find appropriate solutions or treatments.

In the event of depression, for example, the resumption of physical activity, good sleep habits and life will help in the medium term to recover the appetite, in association with an appropriate psychological or pharmacological treatment.




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