 |  |  |  | Medical Health Encyclopedia |  |
Weight loss - unintentional
| | | |
| |
| |
| Weight loss - unintentional |
| Definition:
Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. Weight loss will occur with decreased food intake, increased metabolism, or both. See also intentional weight loss. Text Continues Below

Alternative Names: Loss of weight Considerations:
There are many causes of unintentional weight loss including endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, and eating disorders (see anorexia nervosa), as well as nutritional deficiencies, infections, and tumors. Common Causes:
- Conditions that prevent food consumption such as painful mouth sores, newly applied orthodontic appliances, or loss of teeth
- Manipulative behavior (in children)
- Unrealistic expectations of caretakers (with children)
- Depression
- Malnutrition
- Loss of appetite
- Prescribed or over-the-counter drugs (including amphetamines, chemotherapeutic agents, laxative abuse, and thyroid medications)
- Drug abuse and smoking
- Unrecognized intentional weight loss
- Undiagnosed anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- AIDS
- Malignancy
- Acute infection
- Chronic infections such as tuberculosis
- Parasitic infections (particularly if you are from or have recently traveled to another country)
- Chronic diarrhea
- Hyperthyroidism
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|