Causes

Unexplained weight loss has many causes, medical and nonmedical. Often, a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss. Sometimes a specific cause isn't found.

Usually, an unrecognized cancer will have other symptoms or abnormalities of laboratory tests, in addition to unexplained weight loss.

Potential causes of unexplained weight loss include:

1. Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
2. Cancer
3. Celiac disease
4. Changes in diet or appetite
5. Changes in sense of smell
6. Changes in sense of taste
7. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other lung diseases
8. Crohn's disease
9. Dementia
10. Dental problems
11. Depression (major depressive disorder)
12. Diabetes
13. Heart failure
14. HIV/AIDS
15. Hypercalcemia
16. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
17. Hypothyroidism
18. Medications
19. Parkinson's disease
20. Peptic ulcer
21. Substance abuse (alcohol, cocaine, other)
22. Tuberculosis
23. Ulcerative colitis

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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