What's wrong with losing over 10 pounds in a short period of time

Losing more than 10 pounds in a short period of time may be related to excessive dieting, high-intensity exercise, endocrine disorders, digestive system diseases, psychological factors, and other reasons. It is recommended to determine the cause based on specific symptoms and seek medical examination if necessary.

1. Excessive dieting

Extreme reduction of calorie intake can lead to the body entering a state of hunger, where rapid weight loss in the early stages mainly results in water and muscle loss. Long term excessive dieting may lead to malnutrition, decreased metabolic rate, and some individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and hair loss. It is necessary to gradually adjust the dietary structure to ensure daily protein and vitamin intake.

2. High intensity exercise

When the exercise volume suddenly increases without timely supplementation of nutrients, the body will consume a large amount of glycogen reserves and fat. Failure to scientifically supplement electrolytes after exercise may result in dehydrated weight loss, accompanied by increased muscle soreness and fatigue. It is recommended to monitor weight changes before and after exercise to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

3. Endocrine disorders

Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes will lead to abnormal acceleration of metabolism. The typical manifestation is overeating but continuous weight loss, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, and thirst. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through hormone level testing, and common treatment drugs include methimazole, metformin, etc.

4. Digestive system diseases

Chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other diseases affect nutrient absorption, while inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease can lead to diarrhea and sudden weight loss. May be accompanied by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements, requiring gastrointestinal endoscopy to determine the cause. Treatment requires the selection of probiotics, mesalazine, and other medications based on the specific disease.

5. Psychological factors

Anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems may trigger anorexia nervosa or post binge eating emetic behavior. Some patients have cognitive impairment about weight and persist in losing weight even if they are noticeably thin. Psychological assessment combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy is necessary, and in severe cases, antidepressant medication such as fluoxetine should be used for intervention.

Non active weight loss exceeding 5% of standard weight in the short term should be alert to pathological reasons. Suggest keeping a diet and exercise log to monitor for any accompanying abnormal symptoms such as fever and pain. The general population should avoid extreme weight loss methods and achieve healthy weight loss through a balanced diet combined with aerobic exercise and strength training. When symptoms of digestive system or endocrine abnormalities persist for more than two weeks, it is necessary to seek medical examination and screening at the endocrinology or gastroenterology department.