What causes sudden weight loss in people

Sudden weight loss may be related to diabetes, hyperthyroidism, malignant tumors, digestive system diseases, mental and psychological factors and other reasons. Sudden weight loss is usually accompanied by symptoms such as abnormal appetite, metabolic disorders, and chronic depletion, and requires targeted treatment based on specific causes.

1. diabetes

diabetes leads to insufficient insulin secretion or utilization obstacles, and blood sugar cannot be effectively used. The body turns to decompose fat and protein for energy. The typical manifestation is weight loss due to excessive drinking and eating, which may be accompanied by thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through blood glucose monitoring, with commonly used medications including metformin, glimepiride, acarbose, etc. At the same time, strict control of carbohydrate intake is required.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones can accelerate metabolism, leading to weight loss even with increased food intake. Common symptoms include palpitations, hand tremors, fear of heat, and emotional agitation. Diagnosis can be made through thyroid function examination, and treatment drugs include methimazole and propylthiouracil. Severe cases may require radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.

3. Malignant tumors

Abnormal proliferation of tumor cells can consume a large amount of nutrients in the body and release inflammatory factors, leading to metabolic disorders. Different tumors have different accompanying symptoms, such as coughing and hemoptysis in lung cancer, and upper abdominal pain in stomach cancer. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through imaging examination and pathological biopsy, and treatment includes comprehensive methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

4. Digestive system diseases

Chronic gastritis, enteritis, Crohn's disease, etc. can affect nutrient absorption and lead to underweight due to insufficient intake. Often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. The cause needs to be identified through gastrointestinal endoscopy and other examinations. Treatment includes acid suppressants and gastrointestinal mucosal protectants. Severe malnutrition requires enteral nutrition support.

5. Psychological factors

Depression, anxiety disorders, etc. may lead to decreased appetite, while anorexia nervosa may involve active dieting behavior. Weight loss caused by psychological factors is often accompanied by low mood and sleep disorders. Psychological assessment combined with physical examination is required. Treatment includes psychological counseling, antidepressant medication, and in severe cases, hospitalization for nutritional intervention is necessary. When sudden weight loss exceeds 10% of the original body weight, timely medical attention should be sought to investigate the cause. In daily life, it is necessary to maintain a regular diet, increase the intake of high-quality protein and whole grains appropriately, and avoid excessive dieting. Monitor the trend of weight changes and complete specialized examinations such as blood tests and imaging when combined with other symptoms. Weight loss caused by psychological factors should be treated with professional psychological therapy and weight gain medication should not be taken on one's own.