The doctor pointed out the danger of losing weight for no reason

Natalia Sidorova, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Department of Oncology, Hematology and Radiotherapy at Pirogov University, spoke about the risks of losing weight for no reason.

In conversation with the agency RuNews24.Ru On Thursday, September 3, the expert noted that unexplained weight loss requires medical attention, including to rule out cancer. The reason for the examination is considered to be a decrease in body weight by more than 5-10% in about six months without changes in diet, physical activity or taking medications for weight loss.

Short-term weight fluctuations may be associated with changes in the amount of fluid, nutrition, or exercise. Prolonged weight loss requires more attention, especially if it is accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass, weakness and decreased appetite.

The reasons for weight loss can be different and are not necessarily related to cancer. These include prolonged stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, infections, and the elderly also have problems with teeth, swallowing, or taste perception.

It is especially important to consult a doctor if weight loss is accompanied by increasing weakness, fever, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained bruises, changes in blood parameters, prolonged pain, problems swallowing, diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of blood loss.

Sidorova advised starting the examination with a therapist who will prescribe the necessary tests and determine further diagnosis. You should not take many cancer markers yourself or do a CT scan of the whole body: there is no single study that can determine the cause of unexplained weight loss.

At the very least, the demand for weight loss drugs has tripled by the summer

Uncontrolled intake of such drugs can lead to pancreatitis and eating disorders, doctors warn.

In August, gastroenterologist Olga Chistik told RT that rapid weight loss may be associated with the onset of type 1 diabetes. At the same time, a person drinks a lot, often goes to the toilet and complains of dry mouth. In addition, she mentioned tumors of the stomach, pancreas, intestines, lungs, as well as tuberculosis.

Also in August, endocrinologist Victoria Sadovskaya explained that physical hunger is related to the body's need for energy and nutrients. It can be accompanied by rumbling in the stomach, loss of strength and decreased concentration. Appetite also increases if energy consumption does not match the volume of food, for example, during intense workouts, reports 360.ru .

At the same time, a study showed that a low-fat vegan diet can reduce the energy density of the diet by about 30% and get rid of excess weight without reducing the volume of portions.

In March, nutritionist coach Yuri Brabechan said that after 35 years of age, weight loss should be gradual in order to avoid sagging skin and problems with its elasticity. It is considered optimal to reduce body weight by 0.5–1% per week, which averages 2-4 kg per month, according to NSN.

Prior to this, doctor Maria Matveeva told the Moscow city news agency that a severe decrease in body weight in a short time can lead to baldness or the development of gastritis. According to her, adequate weight loss is 5-10% of body weight in three to six months.