Weight loss: All about the condition and its treatment
Escrito por:Weight loss occurs when the body burns more calories than it consumes, leading to a reduction in body mass. While intentional weight loss can be beneficial for overall health, unexplained or excessive weight loss may indicate an underlying medical condition. Understanding the causes and treatment options is essential for managing weight effectively and safely.
What causes weight loss?
Weight loss can be intentional (due to diet and exercise) or unintentional (caused by medical conditions). Common causes include:
- Dietary changes: Caloric restriction or lifestyle adjustments.
- Increased physical activity: Regular exercise burns more calories.
- Medical conditions:
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders (e.g. Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease)
- Cancer
- Chronic infections (e.g. tuberculosis, HIV)
- Mental health factors:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia, bulimia)
- Medication side effects: Some medications suppress appetite or increase metabolism.
When should you seek medical advice?
Unintentional weight loss of more than 5 per cent of body weight in six months may require medical evaluation. Other concerning symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive issues (e.g. diarrhoea, bloating)
- Frequent infections
- Muscle weakness
How is weight loss treated?
Addressing underlying medical conditions
- Blood tests and medical assessments help identify possible causes.
- Treatment for conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders may help stabilise weight.
- Mental health support, including therapy, may be required for stress-related or eating disorder-related weight loss.
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments
- Eating balanced, nutrient-dense meals to ensure proper calorie intake.
- Increasing protein and healthy fats for muscle maintenance.
- Strength training and low-impact exercises to prevent muscle loss.
- Addressing any appetite changes with nutritional support.
Medical interventions
- Nutritional supplements or high-calorie drinks for patients struggling with appetite loss.
- Medication adjustments if current prescriptions are causing weight loss.
- Feeding support (such as feeding tubes) in severe cases of malnutrition.
Weight loss surgery
For individuals with severe obesity who have struggled with other weight loss methods, bariatric surgery may be an option. Common procedures include:
-
Gastric bypass: Reduces stomach size and reroutes the digestive tract to limit calorie absorption.
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Gastric sleeve: Removes a portion of the stomach to reduce appetite.
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Gastric band: A band is placed around the stomach to restrict food intake.
Weight loss surgery can lead to significant and sustained weight reduction, but it requires long-term lifestyle changes and medical follow-up to ensure success and prevent complications.
Can weight loss be prevented?
- Regular health check-ups to monitor weight changes.
- Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding extreme calorie restriction.
- Managing stress and mental health conditions effectively.
- Monitoring medication side effects with a doctor’s guidance.
Weight loss can be intentional or unintentional, with various underlying causes. While a healthy diet and exercise can lead to safe weight loss, unexplained weight loss requires medical evaluation. Identifying the cause and receiving appropriate treatment can help restore a healthy weight and overall well-being.