Often asked: What Causes Weight Loss In Elderly?

Unintentional weight loss in persons older than 65 years is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common etiologies are malignancy, nonmalignant gastrointestinal disease, and psychiatric conditions.

Is it normal for elderly to lose weight?

About 15% to 20% of seniors experience sudden weight loss, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Though some weight loss can be a normal part of aging — partially due to shrinking muscle mass — losing a substantial amount of weight over a short period of time can be a sign of an underlying condition.

When should you worry about weight loss?

The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact. But many doctors agree that a medical evaluation is called for if you lose more than 5 percent of your weight in six months to a year, especially if you’re an older adult.

What does sudden weight loss indicate?

Sudden, noticeable weight loss can happen after a stressful event, although it can also be a sign of a serious illness. It’s normal to lose a noticeable amount of weight after the stress of changing jobs, divorce, redundancy or bereavement.

What tests are done for unexplained weight loss?

Tests that are commonly done include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC can show evidence of infections, anemia (a lack of red blood cells that can be caused by many conditions), and more.
  • Thyroid panel.
  • Liver function tests.
  • Kidney function tests.
  • Blood sugar (glucose)
  • Urinalysis.

Which diseases make you lose weight?

However, unintentional weight loss may be a sign of one of these medical conditions.

  • Muscle loss. Muscle loss, or muscle wasting, can lead to unexpected weight loss.
  • Overactive thyroid.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Diabetes.
  • Depression.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Endocarditis.
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How much weight loss is concerning in a week?

Summary: According to experts, losing 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.9 kg) per week is a healthy and safe rate, while losing more than this is considered too fast. However, you may lose more than that during your first week of an exercise or diet plan.

How much weight loss is concerning in a month?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s 1 to 2 pounds per week. That means, on average, that aiming for 4 to 8 pounds of weight loss per month is a healthy goal.

What medications cause weightloss?

Four weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term use:

  • Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda)
  • Orlistat (Xenical)
  • Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)

Does diabetes cause weightloss?

In people with diabetes, insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to use as energy. When this occurs, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing a reduction in overall body weight.

Why does stress cause weight loss?

Inflammation and activation of vagal nerve. Stress and poor dietary choices as a result of stress can contribute to widespread inflammation and weight loss. This inflammation can cause activation of the vagus nerve, which influences how the gut processes and metabolizes food.

What type of doctor should I see for weight loss?

A bariatric medicine doctor specializes in treating obesity and obesity-related diseases and conditions. Bariatricians provide medical, nonsurgical weight management.

Can heart problems cause weight loss?

Cardiac cachexia is unintentional severe weight loss caused by heart disease. The weight loss might be life-threatening. It can happen to people who have severe heart failure. Even with a very good appetite and high calorie intake, some people lose muscle mass.

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