Weight loss refers to weight loss, whatever it may be. It can be voluntary (the consequence of a diet) or involuntary.

In this case, weight loss is a potentially worrying symptom, especially when it corresponds to a loss of at least 10% of the weight in less than a year. This threshold is random but is often used as a “benchmark” by the medical community (which also sometimes uses the threshold of 5% less weight in 6 months).

Weight loss can be isolated or be accompanied by other symptoms, very varied.

When it is not voluntary, weight loss can be a sign of an underlying disease that is sometimes serious, such as cancer. It is therefore important to pay attention to it and consult your doctor in case of doubt. The doctor may order blood tests, among other things, to try to understand the cause.

Weight loss can have a multitude of causes.

Psychic causes would be involved 50% of cases of weight loss requiring a medical assessment. Depression, in particular, often leads to a persistent loss of appetite.

Then come the organic causes, and in particular digestive diseases. However, a large number of pathologies, such as cardiovascular, endocrine or autoimmune pathologies, for example, can lead to weight loss.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of potential causes of weight loss:

• Cancer: Weight loss is common and is often one of the first symptoms. About 40% of people diagnosed with cancer report losing weight in the past few months.
• Celiac disease: it is frequently accompanied by weight loss, linked to the malabsorption of food in the digestive tract.
• Gastric ulcer: it is usually responsible for loss of appetite, stomach pain and digestive difficulties which can lead to weight loss.
• Crohn’s disease: Along with other inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease is often associated with weight loss.
• Diabetes: Usually type 1 diabetes manifests with severe dehydration and rapid weight loss.
• Heart failure: Although it can cause fluid retention and therefore weight gain, heart failure can also, especially at an advanced stage, cause muscle mass and weight loss.
• Infectious disease (HIV infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.)
• Hypo or hyperthyroidism: like other endocrine diseases, the disruption of thyroid hormones can have an influence on weight.
• Neurological disease (dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc.)
• Respiratory disease: bronchopneumopathy chronic obstructive (COPD) or lung disease Chronic obstructive disease leads to weight loss.

The abuse of certain substances (drugs, alcohol or medication) can also lead to weight loss.

In the elderly, loss of appetite is common, leading to sometimes severe malnutrition, which is accompanied by rapid weight loss.

If losing extra pounds is often desirable to maintain health, involuntary weight loss, especially if it persists and reaches a significant threshold, should alert. They are usually a sign of an underlying disease, which can sometimes be serious. Weight loss, if severe, can also be a sign of malnutrition, i.e. a deficiency in certain nutrients (for example in the elderly or in people with digestive disease) .

Whether psychological or organic, the cause of weight loss must be identified in order to find suitable solutions or treatments.

In the event of depression, for example, the resumption of a physical activity, good habits of sleep and life will help in the medium term to recover the appetite, in association with an adequate psychological or pharmacological treatment.