Medical Conditions That Cause Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is often the symptom of an undiagnosed medical condition. If you are experiencing rapid weight loss, consult your doctor. The following medical conditions have been known to cause rapid and unexpected weight loss.

Anorexia Nervosa

Someone suffering from anorexia nervosa severely limits the amount of food taken into the body. Over time, anorexia nervosa affects both the body and mind, becoming an uncontrollable cycle of weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves bingeing on copious amounts of food, followed by some activity that will get rid of the food. Purging (vomiting) is the most common form of bulimia, but excessive exercise or use of laxatives is sometimes seen.

Depression

People suffering from depression often lose their desire to eat, resulting in rapid weight loss. The loss of appetite is the main reason for weight loss with this medical condition.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism causes your thyroid gland to produce too much of the thyroxine hormone. This hormone increase results in a significant acceleration of your body's metabolism, resulting in rapid weight loss.

Cibophobia

Cibophobia is the irrational and extreme fear of food. People suffering from this unexplainable medical condition often experience panic and terror when faced with food, which results in quick weight loss. Extensive therapy is needed with this condition.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Hyperthyroidism
• WebMd: Anorexia Nervosa
• WebMd: Bulimia Nervosa

Resources

• Causes of Weight Loss
• Cibophobia