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Weight loss

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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This is a very non-specific symptom. However, an acute weight loss may be indicative of a serious underlying pathology. Below is presented a scheme for thinking about acute weight loss.

Causes of acute weight loss include:

  • insufficient calorie intake:
    • anorexia - associated with infection, malignancy and anorexia nervosa
    • dysphagia e.g. oesophageal carcinoma, oesophageal reflux
    • vomiting e.g. pyloric stenosis, hiatus hernia

  • malabsorptive states:
    • chronic pancreatitis, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease

  • high energy usage:
    • malignancy
    • thyrotoxicosis

Significant unintentional weight loss is defined as (1):

  • unintentional loss of more than 5% of body weight over 6 to 12 months

Reference:

  • NHS Choices. Unitentional weight loss (Accessed 29/12/2020).

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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