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What Does Rapid Weight Loss In A 79 Year Old Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 31 Aug 2016

Question: Iam 79 yrs old, i went on a diet to lose 10 pounds i lost the ten pounds and went off my diet and then I lost another 12 pounds...and again i lost another 4 pounds..i should point out because of this i make sure i eat more....i can not control my weight loss What is wrong..

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not a good sign.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

The rapid weight loss is indeed concerning and could point to some underlying disease. It could be serious and therefore needs a thorough evaluation. You need to visit a doctor and get yourself clinically examined. Based on his findings he would be able to suggest suitable investigations including ultrasonogram. It is only based on the findings that further comments can be made.

I hope you understand. Visit your GP without delay.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (13 minutes later)

I have had ultrasounograms last and three different scans brain neck stomic for a transient ischemic attack and every ting came back normal..The weight loss happen before during after the TIA

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Clinical correlation needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

The previous ultrasonograms do not count since they were normal and the weight loss occurred only subsequent to them. Vaguely getting an ultrasonogram would not help. Clinical correlation is needed. It is very hard to do that sitting at a distance and with only a handful of information and nothing to back it up. That is the reason I am suggesting you to visit your doctor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar