When to worry if weight falls off without trying (2024)

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

When to worry if weight falls off without trying (2024)

FAQs

When to worry if weight falls off without trying? ›

You should consult your physician if you have lost more than 5 percent of body weight

body weight
Average adult human weight varies by continent, from about 60 kg (130 lb) in Asia and Africa to about 80 kg (180 lb) in North America, with men on average weighing more than women.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Human_body_weight
or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months. This is especially important if you have other symptoms, too.

How much weight loss without trying is concerning? ›

The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact. But many health care providers agree that a medical evaluation is called for if you lose more than 5% of your weight in 6 to 12 months, especially if you're an older adult.

Why am I losing weight so fast without trying? ›

Causes of unintentional weight loss

It can also be caused by malnutrition, a health condition or a combination of things. Some causes of unintentional weight loss include: mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

What illness causes rapid weight loss? ›

Losing weight without trying may indicate an underlying condition. Conditions that cause unexplained weight loss include overactive thyroid, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you've lost a significant amount — more than 5% of your weight — within 6 to 12 months.

What cancers cause rapid weight loss? ›

Weight loss can depend on cancer type

Weight loss is more common in some cancer types. About 60 out of 100 people with lung cancer (60%) have a loss of appetite and significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis. In people with upper gastrointestinal cancer, this number is 80 out of 100 people (80%).

How much weight loss is considered alarming? ›

You should consult your physician if you have lost more than 5 percent of body weight or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months.

What autoimmune disease causes rapid weight loss? ›

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)

What neurological disorders cause weight loss? ›

[1] Early weight loss has been demonstrated in other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer disease, [2] amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, [3] and Huntington disease. [4] Protein misfolding occurs early in many neurodegenerative conditions, likely determining increased brain metabolism.

What infections cause rapid weight loss? ›

However, short-term illnesses such as influenza or the common cold can also cause weight loss due to abdominal discomfort. Common causes of unintentional weight loss include depression, diarrhea, oral ulcers, and viral infections, such as the common cold, that can affect appetite.

When should you be concerned about weight loss? ›

Contact your provider if: You or a family member loses more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height. You have lost more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less, and you do not know the reason. You have other symptoms in addition to the weight loss.

What is considered suspicious weight loss? ›

If you're losing weight without trying and you're concerned about it, consult your health care provider. As a rule of thumb, losing more than 5% of your weight over 6 to 12 months may indicate a problem.

How much weight loss is concerning in a month? ›

So what is the magic number to lose weight and keep it off? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , it's 1 to 2 pounds per week. That means, on average, that aiming for 4 to 8 pounds of weight loss per month is a healthy goal.

How much weight should I be concerned about losing? ›

How much weight loss is a concern. Your body weight can regularly fluctuate. But the persistent, unintentional loss of more than 5 per cent of your weight over 6 to 12 months is usually a cause for concern. Losing this much weight can be a sign of malnutrition.

How fast is unsafe weight loss? ›

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, aim to lose it at a slow but steady rate of 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.9 kg) per week. Research shows that slow, steady weight loss is easier to maintain long-term because it's better for developing healthy eating behaviors, and is much safer than very fast weight loss.

Is losing 10 pounds in 3 months healthy? ›

Losing weight too fast may be unsafe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people looking to lose weight aim to lose 1–2 pounds per week for safe, healthy weight loss.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 5450

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.