Sudden weight loss can be a serious symptom of concern. Rarely does anyone worry if they lose a few pounds effortlessly. However, when weight loss continues, you need to find out why. Sudden weight loss can have a completely innocent cause, but it can also be a sign of a serious disease – hyperthyroidism, diabetes, depression, or AIDS.

Losing weight suddenlywhen you are not on a diet and your lifestyle has not changed should always be a concern.Sudden weight losscan be a symptom of a seriousillness. Our test will help you solve the puzzle of sudden weight loss. Remember, if in doubt, consult your doctor.

Is sudden weight loss a cause for concern? Test

1. Have you lost less than 4 kilograms in the last 10 weeks?

There is no need to worry. Slight fluctuations in weight are natural.

Treatment:Not necessary. You should just eat a lot more. However, if you continue to lose weight or gain lower weight than is appropriate for your height, consult your healthcare professional.

2. Are you constantly tense and nervous, sweating more than usual, your hands trembling, do you have the impression that your eyes look different (so-calledgoggle)?

Contact your doctor. Probably the cause of your troubles is anoveractive thyroid gland.

Treatment: Your doctor willtest your thyroid hormone levels. If they confirm hyperthyroidism, he or she will prescribe drug therapy ortreatment with radioactive iodine. Sometimes, however, surgery may be necessary to remove the thyroid gland.

3. In addition to sudden weight loss, do you often havediarrheaorconstipation(especially alternately), have your stomach ache, or have you noticedblood in your stools?

Contact your doctor immediately. The cause of trouble may be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach,duodenum, intestines).

Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis and the results of the tests prescribed by the doctor, e.g.blood tests,stool testsorcolonoscopy.

4. Have you noticed one or more of the following symptoms:increased thirst,more frequent urination,vaginal mycosis, trouble seeing?

Contact your doctor immediately. It is possible that your problems are due to diabetes.

Treatment:If ablood sugar testconfirms the diagnosis, you may need long-term medication or insulin injections. Your doctor will give you tips on changing your lifestyle and diet.

5. Are you exercising more than usual now?

There is no need to worry. It looks like you’re burning a lot more calories right now.

Treatment: You should follow a high-calorie diet to compensate for energy loss due to exercise.

If none of the symptoms listed above applies to you, consult your doctor.

6. Do you sweat profusely at night, havetemperature fluctuations, have a persistentcough, seeblood in your sputum, and generally feel unwell?

Contact your doctor immediately. A series of tests is needed to rule outtuberculosis,AIDS, and certaintypes of cancer.

Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, following tests.

7. Do you have difficulty concentrating, you don’t care, you sleep poorly, have you lost interest in sex?

Contact your doctor. Lack of appetite and weight loss can be the resultof depression.

Treatment:Depending on the medical diagnosis.

If none of the symptoms mentioned in the test match your case, consult your doctor.

How to safely gain weight

Ideally, you should follow a healthy, balanced diet. You must eat at least five meals a day. You can afford high-calorie snacks between meals, such as a sandwich withsausage,banana. You can use special nutrients under the supervision of a doctor. It is worth spending more time outdoors – exercise and walks stimulate the appetite.

Sudden weight loss and diabetes

It is caused by disturbances in the metabolism ofcarbohydratesin the body. It is characterized by elevatedblood sugar levels. In young people, it is caused by a deficiency ininsulin, a hormone produced by thepancreas. In the elderly – disorders in the use of insulin produced by the body.

As a result, the cells of the body are unable to absorbglucosefrom the blood. So they use fat as an energy source, which leads to a build-up of toxic substances and causes diabetic symptoms (thirst, excessive urination and weight loss). People with diabetes should strictly follow their doctor’s instructions regarding medication and dieting.

Sudden weight loss and AIDS

The disease is caused by the activity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIVfor short ), which gradually destroys cells of the immune system. It is transmitted sexually and through blood. The infection may be asymptomatic or similar to the flu. Symptoms are usually absent within 5-10 years after infection, although the carrier may infect others.

As a result of the virus, the body weakens and loses its ability to defend itself against infection and disease. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, develops. When HIV is diagnosed, patients are given antiviral drugs that slow down the replication of the virus and delay the onset of AIDS.