Weight loss - unintentional

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.

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.

• 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

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