What Causes Rapid Weight Loss?
Non specific, GP and internist for review
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is already important to note the fact that your appetite has not changed lately. It might be however interesting to know if you have changed your diet lately or changed area of residence.
Causes of rapid weight loss are numerous. The commonest usually include metabolic disorders like diabetes. A family history of this condition and a fasting blood sugar to ensure normality as my suggestion.
Diet is a second common cause of weight loss. A decrease in the amount of calories taken, amounts of proteins and fats could lead to weight loss. Evaluation of your appetite status and current feeding pattern, including recent change of residence are of utmost importance.
Cancers or some hidden tumors could only manifest themselves in the form of weight loss. A careful clinical review to check for any enlarged lymph nodes, family history of specific cancers, a complete blood count, chest and abdominal X rays, CT scans and ultrasounds would be of interest in the investigation process.
Chronic infectious conditions like tuberculousis and HIV could manifest themselves in the form of weight loss. Inflammatory diseases and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) are also common causes of non specific weight loss.
A complete clinical review by your family physician and the internist if necessary, would be of utmost help in my opinion.
Kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain