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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Weight Loss When Diagnosed With Thyroid Problem?

Hi , I met a woman today who said she was loosing around 2 to 3 lbs. a day but felt fine. She is not dieting or exercizing and she said her doctor is not overly concerned. She used to way 234 lbs. and now is at 153lbs. She mentioned having issues with her Thyroid at some point, but not now. Is she in trouble? Does she need a second oppinion? I will see her again tomorrow. Thank you.
Fri, 5 Jun 2020
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Any unintentional weight loss (for which we are not trying) definitely has to be evaluated. In your friend's case she has lost weight but in a period of how much time is not mentioned. However I will try to update you will some basic things. Usually the common causes weight loss are hormonal problems (like thyroid), diabetes (increased sugar levels), inflammatory bowel disease (diseases of the intestine) or other infections in the body (like tuberculosis). Even stress and depression can also weight loss.

I would like to suggest that first of all tell her to follow some changes in her life style. Try to take good balanced diet- plenty of water, fruits and vegetables. Try to find time to go for a walk, exercise and have a good night sleep. Be relaxed. Tell her to monitor her weight for sometime. If still she is losing weight then she must get herself investigated- complete blood count, sugar levels, thyroid hormone levels (Very important because she already had some issue so need to see the current status), ESR and X-ray chest. Once reports are there we can plan accordingly.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Milinda Gupta, Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Weight Loss When Diagnosed With Thyroid Problem?

Hi, Any unintentional weight loss (for which we are not trying) definitely has to be evaluated. In your friend s case she has lost weight but in a period of how much time is not mentioned. However I will try to update you will some basic things. Usually the common causes weight loss are hormonal problems (like thyroid), diabetes (increased sugar levels), inflammatory bowel disease (diseases of the intestine) or other infections in the body (like tuberculosis). Even stress and depression can also weight loss. I would like to suggest that first of all tell her to follow some changes in her life style. Try to take good balanced diet- plenty of water, fruits and vegetables. Try to find time to go for a walk, exercise and have a good night sleep. Be relaxed. Tell her to monitor her weight for sometime. If still she is losing weight then she must get herself investigated- complete blood count, sugar levels, thyroid hormone levels (Very important because she already had some issue so need to see the current status), ESR and X-ray chest. Once reports are there we can plan accordingly. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Milinda Gupta, Internal Medicine Specialist