Every January, people all over the country make promises to lose weight, be healthier, and get in shape.
Of course, this resolution goes out the window within weeks for many. Changing your diet and lifestyle can be ridiculously hard, so it makes sense that life can get in the way.
That said, every year we see tons of stories about people successfully losing weight and transforming their lives. It's absolutely inspiring.
Most of us think of losing weight as a positive thing, but there are actually a few times when losing weight can be bad — and even dangerous.
If you're not trying to lose weight but the pounds are mysteriously dropping off you, it's probably not a happy blessing. Chances are there's something else going on inside you that's making you unintentionally lose weight.
Read below to find out some of the reasons for unexpected weight loss.
Photos: Laura Caseley for LittleThings; Wikimedia / Bill Branson, National Cancer Institute
#1: Stress
Many people lose weight during stressful times in life.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Chronic stress can wear down the body's natural defenses, leading to a variety of physical symptoms."
Some of these symptoms include headaches, general aches and pains, increase or decrease in appetite, and weight gain or loss.
#2: Depression
Many people associate depression with weight gain, but it can also have the opposite effect.
People suffering from depression feel a loss of pleasure and a loss of interest in pleasure. WebMD explains, "With severe depression, you might lose weight because you've lost your interest in food."
#3: Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, is a potentially life-threatening disorder that affects your adrenal glands, which produce hormones.
The Mayo Clinic explains that some of the most common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal problems, and unintended weight loss.
#4: Gut Disease
Certain conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, intestinal damage, and lactose intolerance can cause malabsorption, which can make you lose weight, Dr. Reshmi Srinath told Women's Health.
Malabsorption occurs when your small intestine doesn't properly absorb nutrients from food, and can cause symptoms like gas, diarrhea, abnormal stools, and weight loss.
#5: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most people think about joint pain and stiffness when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, but another common symptom is unintentional weight loss.
According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to tender, swollen joints and joint stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
#6: Diabetes
Many people don't realize this, but diabetes (both types) can cause unexplained weight loss.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that when your body stops producing insulin (or stops producing it properly), your body doesn't process sugar correctly, so it thinks it's starving. To create energy, your body burns muscle and fat, which in turn makes you lose weight.
#7: Thyroid Disease
The thyroid, which is a gland that produces hormones, can affect your body's metabolism.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause weight problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the symptoms of both hyperthyroidism is, "Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase."
#8: Cancer
Dr. Srinath explains that cancer is one of the many health issues that may lead to unexplained weight loss.
"If someone reports abrupt weight loss but denies any change in their food intake, their exercise routine, their stress level, and they say their medications have been stable, I would get concerned it was something serious like cancer," Dr. Srinath says.
#9: Parasites
Many people know that tapeworms can make you lose weight, but there are other parasites that can cause weight loss as well.
Roundworms, another type of parasite, can also cause gastrointestinal issues and weight loss.
Find out more about some of the parasites that could be in your body right now in this LittleThings article.
When To See A Doctor
According to the US National Library of Medicine, "Unintentional weight loss is loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) OR 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months without knowing the reason."
If you lose weight unintentionally, set up an appointment with your doctor to find out if there's something more serious going on.
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