Weight loss is a desired effect for many people, especially women. The Internet is buzzing with a thousand salutary diets that are supposed to relieve us of a few excess kilos. At the doorstep of pharmacies, we are confronted with shelves full of dietary supplements that are supposed to speed up and support this arduous process. We stand on our heads and struggle, sometimes for years, so that the scales finally show the desired value and our body looks the way we dream of it. As they say, everything within the bounds of common sense. A well-balanced diet, conscious meal planning, systematic exercise and health monitoring can often do more good than a restrictive diet. As I mentioned, losing weight is not always a New Year's resolution or the common saying 'starting tomorrow'. It is not always the case that losing weight is an intended goal that we consciously strive for by reducing our calorie intake, but can be a symptom of serious disease processes. Particular attention should be paid to large weight loss over a short period of time. Significant weight loss is defined as a reduction in the patient's typical body weight of at least 5% that has occurred over a period of up to six months. Underweight is defined as a body weight with a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m2.

Weight loss "independent of will"

There can be many reasons for sudden weight loss. It is important that we do not underestimate this symptom and seek medical advice, especially if the weight loss is large in a short period of time. Lack of appetite can have a variety of causes. One large group of causes of appetite disorders are endocrine problems. Metabolic processes are strongly linked to normal hormonal balance. One of the elements that influence the generation of energy in our body is the thyroid gland. In the event of abnormalities in its functioning, both in the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid situations, appetite disorders may occur. In the case of hyperthyroidism, there is usually weight loss associated with an increased metabolic rate, while in the case of hypothyroidism, there is weight gain, when energy processes are slowed down. Another organ belonging to the endocrine system is the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of important hormones for our body - glucocorticosteroids. These compounds are involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In this location, more specifically in the adrenal medulla, a usually benign pheochromocytoma can develop, which is characterised by an overproduction of catecholamines such as adrenaline, noradrenaline or dopamine. Their increased concentrations can contribute to accelerated metabolism and, as a result, weight loss. Disorders within the main hormonal commander - the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism, pituitary tumours or trauma - can lead to abnormal control of the organs under its influence. The result is a deficiency of substances that stimulate appetite and regulate metabolism.

photo: panthermedia

Another group are drugs and toxins

Chronic antibiotic therapy may not only disturb appetite, but also adversely affect the bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract. The consequence of this is a disruption of absorption and digestion processes. In the case of chronic antibiotic treatment, which often disrupts the amount of 'beneficial bacteria', it is important to remember to supplement probiotics. Also, people who abuse narcotics may experience a decrease in appetite. This is the case in amphetamine, cocaine or morphine addictions. Alcoholism can also contribute to malnutrition, but by a different mechanism than a decrease in appetite. These people are often in so-called 'alcoholic draughts' and are unable to take care, among other things, to prepare their own meals and provide adequate calories.