Under one Weight change one understands a serious change in weight. This can mean both weight gain and weight loss in relation to normal weight.
causes
Weight loss or gain can have many reasons and are shown in the following.
Weight loss
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If weight loss is unwanted, i.e. it is not a cause of intentional weight reduction through diet, fasting, stress or exercise, the cause may be an illness. Pathological weight loss itself can lead to anorexia and should be treated medically. Also read the article on loss of appetite.
Typical diseases for weight loss can be gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, cancer, allergies and worm infections.
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➔ Medicines for weight loss & dietWeight gain
Weight gain is usually completely normal with growth and pregnancy. The most common reason for weight gain in the western world, however, is an increased food gain (energy gain) with less energy consumption through exercise, work and sport. The typical representatives of the disease are obesity (obesity, obesity).
These diseases in turn are responsible for many other diseases, some of which can be fatal. Examples would be heart failure, myocarditis, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, weight gain can also occur with some metabolic diseases and hormonal disorders and must be treated by a doctor.
Diseases with this symptom
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Infectious diseases
- Hormonal imbalances
- rubella
- Graves disease
- Food intolerance
- Crohn's disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- measles
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Gluten intolerance
- Hypothyroidism
- mumps
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
When should you go to the doctor?
A small change in weight is usually not a cause for concern. Especially with women, the weight fluctuates by several kilograms over the course of a month. Plus, most people gain some weight over the years. A higher weight, which arises over several years, can be controlled by regular medical examinations and often by changing your lifestyle. Rapid weight gain without an apparent cause should be discussed with the doctor, who will initiate the necessary examinations.
The situation is similar when you lose weight. Anyone who has changed their lifestyle will be happy about the lower weight. However, if you lose weight suddenly and quickly without a cause, you should definitely consult a doctor. A weight loss that is inexplicable at first glance can have various causes and should be treated in most cases.
In any case, a visit to the doctor is indicated if you feel unwell. Mostly the instinct reports that something is wrong. If you no longer feel well, it is best to consult your family doctor first. If necessary, this will be referred to the specialists.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Depending on the cause, any unusual weight gain or loss should always be investigated more closely by the doctor.
Self-treatment is only advisable if the weight gain or loss can be proven to be attributable to increased or low calorie consumption. A lot of exercise and a healthy and balanced diet are particularly successful.
Outlook & forecast
A weight change does not necessarily have to have a negative effect on the body. For example, if you want to lose weight or gain weight, you can see from the weight change whether the project will work or not. Therefore, in most cases, weight change does not need treatment.
Usually an unintended change in weight is related to a change in diet. Often times, this diet is unhealthy for the body, which increases weight. A change in weight can therefore indicate a new eating habit that may arise from stress or other symptoms. The person affected can quickly become overweight, which is a very unhealthy condition for the body. Therefore, when changing weight, the patient should always ensure that the weight remains within a normal range.
However, a change in weight can also occur unintentionally. It is often a sign of thyroid disease and should definitely be treated. Treatment is done with medication. The weight change can also occur due to hormones that have been artificially added to the body.
If the change in weight is severe and sudden, it may indicate another serious problem with the body. In this case, it is necessary to conduct an examination at the doctor. Most of the time, however, the weight change is an intentional symptom.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for weight loss & dietprevention
Obesity and anorexia usually do not have to occur if the patient eats a normal and healthy diet and moves normally. A healthy amount of exercise can be particularly effective here.
You can do that yourself
If there is a change in weight, it is very important to find out the cause and take any necessary medication. The doctor or nutritionist may also order dietary supplements. In addition, keeping a food diary can help you keep control of your food intake. With both weight gain and weight loss it is particularly important that all information is honest and complete. Such a diary typically records what was eaten when and in what quantity.
A healthy and balanced diet plays a key role in weight changes. The diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals and contain an adequate amount of calories. If the change in weight is due to a digestive system disorder, special diets can help reduce symptoms.
If the weight change is due to an eating disorder or other mental health problem directly related to eating, the current mood can also be noted in the food journal. This reflection can help to gain clarity about personal triggers.
In the event of unwanted weight gain, sport and exercise in everyday life are also good means of self-help. Gentle sports such as swimming are advantageous because the joints are less stressed in the water. At home, you can also easily do light strength training with a fitness band.In case of doubt, however, medical or physiotherapeutic advice is advisable so that exercise does not result in overload.
