Unintentional weight loss occurs when a person loses weight without intending to do so.

It may be a typical side effect of a change in diet or exercise routine, but it can also be a warning sign of more severe underlying health issues, including cancer.

The sudden loss of several pounds or more, or a visible reduction in muscle mass, could signify that your body cannot tolerate your usual diet or has difficulty absorbing nutrients from it.

While it may not always be the case, unexpected weight loss is among the lesser-known telltale signs of cancer development.

What Does Unintentional Weight Loss Mean?

Unintentional weight loss is defined as a weight loss of 10 pounds or more, or 5% of body weight, over a period of 6 to 12 months.

The sudden loss of weight happens when there is an imbalance between the energy consumed by the body and the energy expended.

The body constantly needs energy to maintain life functions, but when this energy usage spikes, the body turns to fat reserves to generate energy.

When an individual starts losing weight without making any conscious changes to their diet, it is called unintentional weight loss.

Not all instances of unintentional weight loss indicate cancer, but it may be a red flag that something is wrong.

According to a study, around 38% of cancer patients experience weight loss at the time of diagnosis, and approximately 80% of advanced-stage cancer patients lose substantial amounts of weight.

Therefore, it is essential to consider a range of potential causes when experiencing sudden weight loss, including illnesses that cause malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, or chronic infections.

However, if you are experiencing sudden and unintentional weight loss, it is always best to visit your physician and undergo a medical assessment. It is always better to catch the condition early on and proceed with treatment.

Types of Cancer Associated with Unintentional Weight Loss

While cancer can develop in any area of the body, certain types are associated with unintentional weight loss more often than others. The following cancer types are commonly linked to sudden and unintentional weight loss:.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer affects breathing and oxygen distribution in cells, which can cause weight loss and muscle wasting over time. One study found that between 42 to 69% of people diagnosed with lung cancer experience weight loss during their illness.

Pancreatic Cancer

As per the American Cancer Society, 80% of those diagnosed with this type of cancer will experience weight loss.

Due to the location of the pancreas, most patients do not experience symptoms during the early stages of the disease, leading to the cancer spreading to other parts before diagnosis.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer affects the body’s metabolism and can, therefore, lead to sudden and unintentional weight loss. When the liver is not functioning properly, the body cannot absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.

Other Causes of Unintentional Weight Loss

While sudden and unintentional weight loss is often associated with cancer, there are several other causes as well. These include:.

Infections

The body’s natural response during infections is to raise its metabolic rate, requiring more energy.

Therefore, when the body is fighting an infection, it needs more food and can lose weight if the individual is unable to consume enough to keep up with its demands.

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can impact appetite, leading some individuals to eat less than usual, potentially leading to unintentional weight loss.

Hormonal imbalances

Imbalances in hormones such as thyroid (hyperthyroidism), insulin (diabetes), or cortisol (Cushing’s disease) can lead to unintentional weight loss.

When to Seek Help

Unintentional weight loss can be a red flag for more severe underlying health problems. If you experience sudden and unintentional weight loss, it is essential to visit your physician to determine its cause.

Prompt treatment of underlying medical conditions will improve your prospects of a good outcome.

Conclusion

While not all instances of unintentional weight loss relate to cancer, it is one of the more serious conditions that weight loss can indicate. Weight loss can occur for many reasons, some benign and other more severe.

Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to any sudden weight loss and seek medical help if you experience unexplained loss of weight or sudden loss of appetite.