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What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: I am 62 years , height 5' 3''. my health issue is unexplained weight loss. I have dropped from 125lbs to 98 lbs gradually in a period of 7-8 years. All the blood tests including thyroid are within normal range. I lost 2 lbs in the last 2 months. Pls advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Maheshwari (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
If everything is normal then dont take stress.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to the HCM.
Since changes in weight should be bothersome if it is associated with loss of appetite,changes in passing stool,recurrent acidity,deranged cholestrol level ,change in taste,change in nutrition or increased stress
in routine life and changes in skin colour .
As you said that all tests came normal.Pls could I know in detail that besides thyroid test what other tests you have done.
And do you have complaint of cough, or on and off loose motions and constipation problem or change in colour of stool in the morning ?And have there been any changes in your daily diet or likes and dislikes.

Hopefully I can help you further ;if I could know more about the above questions.
Regards,
Dr.Maheshwari
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Maheshwari (21 hours later)
Hello Doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
I had got the following tests done: CBC,KFT,LFT, Blood glucose-fasting and post-meal, Thyroid-T3,T4. All these were in the normal range.
I eat a healthy diet. But I never overeat.I gave up taking milk some years back. as it made me gassy. I do take curd.
As for the changes you asked, the only one which I would say yes to is stress. I have a lot of it. At times because of this I have a weighty or heavy feeling in my stomach.
I am concerned that I am quite underweight, though i eat okay, and this could lead to health issues.
Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Maheshwari (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Stress can cauase decreased weight.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Dear when there is stress ;our body starts to release some hormones which cause increased metabolism;fatigue and leg pains etc.
It is good that all reports are normal.So the culprit cause could be stress.As I said that stress causes some hormones that cause decreased weight ,like was starting exercise
for example brisk walk and cycling etc cause releasing some hormones which causes busting stress and increases happiness.
Since unexplaind loosing weight is a sign not a disease ,so if all routine reports are normal and there are no other complaints then you should not be worried .But I would suggest you to have bannana juice every other day,take meals on time ;have plenty of water and green leafy vegetables and do brisk walk daily for at least 45 minutes.It would not only help decreasing stress but would also help any stomach problem.(gasses ,heaviness).
At the moment I am not advicing any medicine ,as you dont need to ,just try to decrease stress with exercise or other things that make you bussy and happy ,would realy help to boosting up healthy life.
Hopefully my answer will be helpfull,you may ask further anytime.
regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Maheshwari

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 766 Questions

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What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss?

Brief Answer: If everything is normal then dont take stress. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to the HCM. Since changes in weight should be bothersome if it is associated with loss of appetite,changes in passing stool,recurrent acidity,deranged cholestrol level ,change in taste,change in nutrition or increased stress in routine life and changes in skin colour . As you said that all tests came normal.Pls could I know in detail that besides thyroid test what other tests you have done. And do you have complaint of cough, or on and off loose motions and constipation problem or change in colour of stool in the morning ?And have there been any changes in your daily diet or likes and dislikes. Hopefully I can help you further ;if I could know more about the above questions. Regards, Dr.Maheshwari