Pérdida de peso no intencionada

Algunas causas de la pérdida de peso no intencionada

La pérdida de peso es a veces el primer síntoma notado por la persona, un familiar o un amigo. Sin embargo, cuando un profesional médico hace preguntas detalladas, las personas pueden darse cuenta de que tienen más síntomas además de su pérdida de peso no intencionada. La pérdida de peso generalmente se define como una pérdida de más del 5% del peso corporal de la persona.

Las causas comunes de la pérdida de peso no intencionada se enumeran a continuación. La lista no es exhaustiva.

Cáncer

In the vast majority of casos de cáncer, other symptoms will develop before any weight loss occurs. Los primeros signos de cáncer depend on the type and site of the cancer. However, occasionally, weight loss is the first symptom that is noticed. Common cancers that cause weight loss include those affecting el páncreas, el esófago, el estómago, el intestino y el pulmón. The blood cancer lymphoma, of which there are several types, can cause unintentional weight loss among other symptoms.

Diabetes

Both Tipo 1 y Diabetes tipo 2 can cause unintentional weight loss. As with all causes of unintentional weight loss, it is important to report this to your doctor, as early diagnosis is important.

Ansiedad y depresión

Ansiedad y depresión have many symptoms and unintentional weight loss can occur for multiple different reasons. People suffering with these symptoms may experience weight loss or weight gain, for example, some people may respond by comfort eating, whilst others may experience a reduced appetite. Fumadores may find they respond by smoking more; nicotine can reduce your appetite, causing weight loss. Some people may resort to alcohol to combat anxiety and this may also be associated with weight loss. Loneliness is a common experience for older adults and can affect a person's mood. Weight loss affecting someone whose mental health is suffering may be the most obvious symptom to family and friends.

Dependencia del alcohol

Some people who drink a lot of alcohol may struggle to look after themselves well, which can cause them to lose weight. Family and friends may show concern about weight loss and not be aware that the person has an problema de alcohol.

Hipertiroidismo

Hipertiroidismo occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine. This condition is also known as an overactive thyroid. The extra thyroxine causes many of your body's functions to speed up. This often causes many symptoms affecting different parts of the body. In the early stages of hyperthyroidism some people actually feel well and full of energy and don't realise they have a problem despite their weight loss.

Infección o inflamación persistente (crónica)

It would be unusual not to have other symptoms with a chronic infection. But, occasionally, the first symptom that is noticed with infections such as tuberculosis o el VIH is weight loss. Hookworm infection of the gut is another example where weight loss may be the first indication of disease. Hookworm is a very common problem worldwide (but rare in the UK). Likewise, there are various conditions that cause persistent inflammation of a part or parts of the body. Again, other symptoms would be usual. However, sometimes an inflammatory condition como la polimialgia reumática may make you feel vaguely unwell and lose weight prior to other symptoms developing.

Síndromes de malabsorción

There are various diseases that can affect the way food is absorbed and taken into the body from the gut. These would normally cause gut symptoms such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain. However, weight loss may be the first symptom noticed. Examples include enfermedad celíaca, enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa.

Demencia

People with demencia may struggle to look after themselves well and lose weight as a result. There can be many reasons for this. In older adults, weight loss may sometimes be the first symptom friends or family notice.

Trastornos alimenticios

In conditions such as anorexia, una persona generalmente sabe que está controlando estrictamente su dieta y ejercicio y está tratando activamente de perder peso. Sin embargo, esto puede estar muy cuidadosamente oculto de amigos y familiares y puede que no se divulgue ni siquiera al médico.

Efectos secundarios de la medicación

Sometimes medication may cause side-effects resulting in weight loss. For example, some medicines may cause a loss of appetite, or a boca seca. Some cause acidez or give a mild tummy discomfort. Others may affect the sense of taste or smell, or make people feel sick. Any of these side-effects could affect eating habits and result in weight loss.

Otras causas comunes

Hay muchas razones por las que una persona puede perder peso de manera involuntaria, y no todas son debido a condiciones de salud específicas. Problemas comunes como la falta de dinero, la falta de acceso a alimentos, la dificultad para comprar y cocinar alimentos o la dificultad para comer pueden causar pérdida de peso involuntaria. En cada una de estas etapas hay muchas causas, de amplio alcance, que pueden resultar en pérdida de peso involuntaria. Por ejemplo, la dificultad para comer puede deberse a tener un problema en la boca o cualquier condición que afecte su capacidad para colocar correctamente los alimentos en la boca.

Si sigues perdiendo peso sin razón, consulta a un médico. Esto se debe a que, como regla general, cuanto antes se diagnostique un problema grave, mayores serán las posibilidades de que el tratamiento mejore el pronóstico.

Your doctor is likely to ask various questions. He or she may actually uncover other symptoms that you were either unaware of or did not think were significant. He or she may also examine you. Tests, such as análisis de sangre, puede o no ser apropiado. Tras una evaluación médica, la causa probable puede ser clara o puede que necesites más investigaciones. Tu médico te aconsejará sobre lo que se necesita dependiendo de lo que crean que está causando la pérdida de peso.

The treatment depends on the cause. See individual leaflets on the various diseases that can cause weight loss. The conditions above are not an exhaustive list.