Scientists have discovered why men lose weight faster than women

Nikita Kharlov

Nutritionist and fitness expert, author of the “Hey, fat” channel on Telegram.

One day the thought that the weight is coming off slowly gets deep into your head. You weigh yourself several times a day, try to speed up the process, look for a different diet and workout. From my own experience, the problem here is not that progress has slowed down, but in your attitude. You make a problem out of it and you will attract a bunch more problems, you will be disappointed and give up everything.

Is it always enough? Always slow?

The article is about lifelong results, and not about periodic attempts to lose weight for the summer, vacation, anniversary, or whatever else you have.

The effect of stress on weight

Most scientists argue that it is stress and negative emotions that provoke sudden weight loss in men without changing their diet. Under the influence of psychological shock, a sharp decrease in body weight is observed. Today it is very difficult to avoid stress. Every day we face shocks at home, at work, in transport. Also, professional activity also affects mental stability. If a man occupies a high position with a sufficient level of responsibility, daily stress is guaranteed.

The reasons for weight loss in men with a normal diet may be the following:

• Insomnia;
• Increased excitability;
• Physical and psychological fatigue;
• Depression.

The male body is able to cope with difficulties quite quickly. This also applies to restoring normal weight. And it is not at all necessary to take special medications. But, if the stress in a young person’s life has turned into a systemic phenomenon, the help of a specialist is required.

As a rule, sudden weight loss without changing the quality of food indicates pathological processes. This is how the body tries to throw all its strength and reserves into fighting the disease. And first of all, fat and muscle tissue are used. Unreasonable weight loss in men is subject to mandatory consultation with a doctor. You may need to take some mild sedatives to restore the functioning of the central nervous system. This will help the young man return to his former form. The sooner therapy begins, the less likely it is to develop complications from the weight loss process.

Endocrine system dysfunction

Often rapid weight loss in men with a normal diet is provoked by improper functioning of the endocrine system. In this case, the thyroid gland most often suffers. When there is a hormonal imbalance, certain compounds begin to form in the thyroid gland, which provoke rapid burning of fats and calories.

If you do not consult a doctor for help in a timely manner, multiple complications may occur. One of the dangerous diseases of the thyroid gland is hyperthyroidism. In this case, excessive abnormal production of hormones by the gland occurs. Signs of this pathology are the following symptoms:

• Rapid weight loss (up to 10-15 kg);
• Increased appetite;
• Trembling in fingers;
• Decreased heart dynamics;
• Sexual function disorder;
• Insomnia.

Having recognized these signs in himself, a man should not delay a visit to an endocrinologist. After all, at the initial stage of development of the disease, the maximum positive result is guaranteed. Sharp weight loss in men can also be caused by the presence of an endocrine disease such as type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is insulin dependent. The man will need to inject insulin daily.

The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that it develops gradually, imperceptibly. But it begins to show its signs already during exacerbations. Patients with diabetes may lose weight, but there is always an increase in appetite, even gluttony. The patient experiences severe thirst. The man smells a strong odor of acetone from his mouth. The same goes for urine and sweat. The disease is very dangerous for the patient's life. When blood sugar increases or decreases, coma may occur. And not in all cases it is possible to get the patient out of it. Diabetes mellitus requires constant monitoring by a specialist.

During which diseases does it appear?

Muscle loss (sarcopenia)

Research shows that most older adults suffer from muscle loss because they neglect muscle health. This type of muscle atrophy is called sarcopenia. Hormonal changes contribute to the development of your body and muscle condition. Most cases of sarcopenia are associated with poor diet and an inactive lifestyle. One of the best ways to prevent and treat muscle loss: add more protein and vitamin D to your diet. Additionally, doing strength training exercises helps build muscle mass and strength.

Cancer

Cancer in general can cause significant weight loss, but there are several types of cancer, such as lung, pancreatic, and colon cancer, that are known to uniquely lead to unexplained weight loss. Abnormally functioning cancer cells grow out of control, speed up your metabolism and wear out your entire body, using up its resources, resulting in weight loss. Cancer treatment can lead to weight loss. Radiation and chemotherapy often cause a decrease in appetite, and this can lead to side effects including nausea, vomiting and mouth ulcers, which prevent food from entering.

Hyperthyroidism

Unexplained weight loss may be one of the signs of a thyroid problem. Also known as Graves' disease, hyperthyroidism is a type of autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones that speed up metabolism. Causes of hyperthyroidism include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, use of certain medications such as lithium, radiation treatment to the neck, thyroid surgery, pregnancy, and iodine deficiency.

HIV and AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS, is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients, causes malnutrition, and can lead to decreased appetite.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach as well as the upper part of the small intestine. They cause pain and increased acid production leads to reflux. Since the main symptom of peptic ulcers is stomach pain, they often cause a loss of appetite. Lifestyle changes combined with various medications are the best way to treat the disease and any weight loss associated with it.

Depression

You probably know that depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in most things. You may also know that weight gain is a common symptom associated with depression, but it can also lead to weight loss. Unfortunately, one of the many side effects of this debilitating disease is loss of appetite, which naturally causes the person to lose weight.

Heart failure

This is a fatal disease that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to the heart and the rest of the body. An important indicator of this condition, or worsening heart health in general, is rapid, unexplained weight loss (loss of at least 7.5% of normal weight within six months), known as cardiac cachexia. Because the intestines require proper blood flow, like all other organs of the body, researchers have suggested that decreased blood flow may be the cause of gastrointestinal and weight loss symptoms associated with heart failure.

Diabetes

We often associate diabetes with weight gain or obesity, but weight loss can also be a symptom of diabetes. When the body is no longer able to produce enough insulin, glucose is no longer produced and is released into the bloodstream and used as energy. When there is insufficiency of insulin, the body begins to burn fat and muscle for energy, which leads to a decrease in overall body weight.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an immune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine. When celiac disease is in bad shape, it destroys the lining of the intestines, which causes people to stop absorbing nutrients and, over time, stop absorbing calories. This leads to weight loss.

Dementia

People in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia often lose weight because they are sometimes unable to communicate their nutritional needs. People with dementia may become socially isolated or simply forget to eat regularly. The breakdown of neurons in the brain dulls the sense of taste and smell, making food less appealing. Additionally, the study points to weight loss as a possible indicator of future dementia.

Crohn's disease

Poor nutrition and weight loss are common in people with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. As with celiac disease, the body does not absorb nutrients properly and they begin to eat less because the food can cause intestinal pain. In addition, patients with Crohn's disease may have ulcers throughout the body, including the mouth and stomach. This causes pain when eating.

Rheumatoid arthritis

We typically think of rheumatoid arthritis as a chronic disease that causes painful, stiff, and swollen joints. But it can also cause unintentional weight loss. The disease increases inflammation, which leads to the overproduction of a group of proteins called cytokines, and an increase in metabolic rate. Thus, the body burns more calories and fat, and patients lose weight.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, from kidney damage to thyroid problems. Lupus can also cause acid reflux; patients feel burning pain in the chest, which leads some patients to avoid eating. Gastrointestinal problems that often accompany lupus, including stomach cramps and diarrhea, can also lead to weight loss.

Addison's disease

When a patient has Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are damaged and do not produce enough of the stress hormone cortisol. When you experience stress, your body fights it without sufficient cortisol. So, instead of experiencing normal stress, you feel nauseous and dizzy. Burn calories and muscle mass and you lose weight.

Sjögren's disease

The two most common symptoms of this immune system disorder, also called Sjögren's syndrome, are dry eyes and dry mouth. This may occur in combination with other autoimmune disorders. The salivary glands are destroyed and people have problems eating and swallowing. Despite good oral hygiene, people with this disease may have numerous oral ulcers, empty teeth and contribute to pain when eating. The result is weight loss.

Ahalasiya

This disorder damages the esophagus, which connects the back of the throat to the stomach. The nerve endings in the esophagus must relax when you eat food, so it can pass into the stomach. However, in people with achalasia, the nerves die and food cannot reach the stomach.

Other causes of weight loss in men

Men also lose weight for other reasons. More than 80% of all cases of weight loss in men indicate dysfunction of an organ or body system. Every person needs to monitor and control their weight. If noticeable changes occur without known reasons, you need to seek help from a specialist. In addition to the main reasons for sudden weight loss, there are some other diseases that provoke rapid burning of fat and muscle.

Oncology

Losing weight in men with a normal diet may be a sign of the early stages of cancer development. In this case, weight loss is accompanied by hair loss, brittle nails, changes in skin color and sclera of the eyes. As you can see, such symptoms are usually ignored. But sudden weight loss can prompt the patient to see a doctor. Only prompt action will allow timely detection of tumor growth in the body. In such cases, cancer of the digestive system, pancreas, and liver is often determined. Weight loss can be observed from the very first day of the formation of the tumor. Therefore, it is important to monitor your weight in order to identify the problem in a timely manner.

The very first and most common signs of oncology can be considered the following symptoms:

• Weakness;
• Long healing of wounds and ulcers;
• Hoarseness of voice;
• Cough;
• Abnormal stool;
• Dramatic weight loss;
• Change in skin color;
• The appearance of compactions.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency can provoke weight loss in young people for no reason. In this case, the adrenal cortex cannot cope with its function and ceases to produce hormones in the required quantities. The disease can be acute and chronic, primary and secondary. Symptoms include muscle weakness, decreased blood pressure, desire for salty foods, darkening of the skin, and abdominal pain.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

This disease has a wide range of symptoms. And it is sudden weight loss, and not a debilitating cough, that is the first sign of pathology. Tuberculosis is considered a difficult to cure disease. The fight against it will be successful only at the initial stage of development. After losing body weight, the following symptoms increase:

• Wheezing in the chest, bronchi;
• Wet cough;
• Discharge of blood or pus along with sputum;
• Increased sweating;
• Chest pain.

Alzheimer's disease

This disease is also called senile dementia. Therefore, weight loss may be a cause of age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the loss of neural connections in the brain. As a rule, it develops after 65-70 years. If a man has a genetic predisposition, the disease can occur at a young age of 40-45 years. The patient experiences disorientation in space, time, and memory loss. First, memory represses recent events, then long-term memory disappears. Such patients forget basic things - to eat, get dressed, go to the toilet, drink water. All this leads to a sharp decrease in body weight. The patient's data cannot exist without the help of relatives, loved ones, and friends.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed. Weight loss in this case is considered the main symptom. Also, this includes abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, loss of appetite, kidney and heart dysfunction. Poor intestinal permeability also leads to unexpected weight loss. Very often, intestinal obstruction indicates the presence of cancer. In all cases, weight loss is accompanied by general weakness of the body. Don't delay your visit to the doctor. Losing just 3-5 kg ​​for no reason is a cause for concern. And only timely professional intervention will avoid serious consequences and maintain health.

Every person would like to have a good figure and get rid of excess pounds. This statement applies to both women and representatives of the stronger sex. Good results in losing weight can be achieved through a balanced diet and sports training. But sometimes people are faced with a situation where body weight decreases without the influence of external circumstances. Later in the article we will talk about the reasons for sudden weight loss in men and what should be done if such a problem occurs.

Causes

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Before visiting a doctor, try to independently analyze what could lead to sudden weight loss. There is a classification of possible reasons that are worth familiarizing yourself with and thinking about whether they have a place in your life.

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Lifestyle

Nutrition

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Dramatic weight loss is often related to diet. What can trigger it:

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• any diet - even one that was initially declared as gentle: each body reacts differently to a reduction in calories;
• poor quality food: canned food, instant noodles, rancid oil, expired foods, etc.;
• insufficient nutrition: lack of food can be caused not only by financial problems - under time pressure, people often simply forget to eat;
• incorrect eating habits: lack of a meal schedule, chaotic eating;
• transition to a raw food diet or vegetarianism, if it was not correct and gradual, since the daily caloric intake drops sharply and the body does not have time to adapt to new conditions;
• keeping a long fast.

If you have any doubts about whether you are eating right and whether this could be the cause of sudden weight loss, seek help from a nutritionist.

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Drastic changes in life

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This could be moving to a different climate zone, a long-term illness with bed rest, or an unexpected passion for some kind of sport. This puts the body into a state of stress, and it begins to look for additional resources. Metabolism accelerates, which leads to rapid weight loss.

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Taking medications

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The action of many medications involves suppressing appetite and inhibiting activity. Their uncontrolled and long-term use leads to exhaustion of the body and fairly rapid weight loss.

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Such means include:

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• hormonal tablets for the treatment of the thyroid gland: Tyrozol, Propicil, Iodoflor, L-thyroxine, Eutirox;
• laxatives;
• chemotherapy drugs;
• brain activity stimulants: Phenibut, Modaphenil, Piracetam, etc.

Such medications must be used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor and within strictly limited periods.

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Bad habits

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Smoking more than 1 pack a day for many years can also lead to significant weight loss. Appetite decreases, taste sensations become dull, nicotine impairs the absorption of nutrients into the blood, the central nervous system is in a depressed state.

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Alcoholism causes severe intoxication of the entire body. The liver and stomach suffer, which cannot fully absorb nutrients under such conditions, and metabolism is disrupted.

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Drug addicts have only one goal - to get a dose. Often they don't even remember the last time they ate something. Immunity decreases, tissues atrophy - all leads to painful weight loss.

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Diseases

Hormonal disbalance

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Sharp weight loss from hormones can occur in both men and women. Symptoms will help you recognize disorders:

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• masculinization of women / feminization of men;
• decreased libido;
• erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia;
• infertility;
• irritability, drowsiness, fatigue, tearfulness;
• suppression of the emotional background;
• deterioration of intellectual abilities.

If in women hormonal imbalance is observed at periods throughout life (during pregnancy, after childbirth, as a result of menopause), then in men this occurs mainly after 55 years, when they are diagnosed with menopause.

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The main treatment regimen is hormone replacement therapy.

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Diabetes

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Most often they talk about obesity due to diabetes, but this disease can also provoke weight loss, and quite quickly and significantly. This is due to metabolic disorders. Symptoms:

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• frequent urination;
• thirst;
• constant fatigue, drowsiness, fatigue;
• slow healing of wounds.

Diabetics are doomed to diet for life. For type I diabetes mellitus, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed, for type II diabetes mellitus, glucose-lowering drugs are prescribed.

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Pancreatitis

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This problem also occurs with pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas. If you have suddenly lost weight, other signs will help you suspect this disease:

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• severe abdominal pain;
• hiccups, belching, dry mouth, nausea, frequent vomiting mixed with bile;
• decrease in pressure;
• dyspnea;
• specific coating on the tongue;
• sticky sweat;
• earthy gray complexion.

Pancreatitis is a very dangerous disease that can provoke not only sudden weight loss, but also lead to hepatitis and peritonitis. When diagnosed, hospital treatment is required under constant medical supervision. Therapy involves a mandatory diet No. 5P according to Pevzner, droppers with saline solutions, protein concentrates, glucose, as well as antispasmodic drugs.

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Gastritis

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Any gastrointestinal disease leads to serious changes in weight. Dramatic weight loss is quite possible even with gastritis, especially in acute form. This is an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa. It can be recognized by the following symptoms:

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• pain in the upper abdomen;
• nausea, vomiting;
• unpleasant belching;
• loss of appetite;
• grayish-white coating on the tongue;
• headache;
• increased salivation;
• heartburn;
• constipation;
• excessive sweating;
• tachycardia.

To restore your weight to its previous levels, you will have to treat gastritis. In a hospital, the stomach is usually washed and the intestines are cleansed (colon hydrotherapy). Antibacterial, antihistamine, absorbent agents, and antispasmodics are prescribed.

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Stress

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One of the most common reasons for sudden weight loss is the stress that most modern people have to live under. Troubles in the family and at work, the race for the benefits of civilization, the total desire to “be like everyone else” - all this leads to nervous exhaustion. A person forgets to eat, does not find peace in anything, melancholy eats him up from the inside. This is how weight loss occurs.

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Other symptoms of depression and neurosis:

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• headache;
• chest pain;
• irritability;
• insomnia;
• forgetfulness;
• high blood pressure;
• decreased libido;
• fatigue;
• anxiety;
• bad mood, depression, apathy;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• inattention.

Is it dangerous?

Regardless of what factors provoked a rapid decrease in body weight, this phenomenon can lead to serious illnesses. In this case, symptoms characteristic of any pathology are observed. In addition, the causes of sudden weight loss in men lead to general malaise.

What kind of weight loss is considered rapid? The answer to this question depends on the individual characteristics of the person. If a man weighs 150 kg, losing ten kilograms in 30 days is not a pathology. Losing weight like this will be beneficial. However, in other cases this situation is dangerous. For example, for a man who weighs 60 kilograms.

Experts say that if a person loses 10 kg in 30 days, they should seek medical help. Moreover, if there is a deterioration in the general condition. A decrease in body weight by 20%, compared to the initial indicators, threatens the health and life of the individual. Therefore, with significant weight loss in men, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Consequences

You need to know the dangers of sudden weight loss in order to identify possible risks and not delay treatment. The most common consequences:

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• alopecia;
• amenorrhea;
• anemia;
• infertility;
• hypovitaminosis;
• hypotension;
• hormonal disbalance;
• stretch marks, loose skin;
• exhaustion;
• metabolic disease;
• dehydration;
• digestive problems;
• mental disorders;
• decreased sexual function up to frigidity and impotence.

In the absence of treatment, the prognosis is the most disappointing: death due to complete dehydration or exhaustion of the body, as well as as a result of deadly diseases that caused sudden weight loss (tuberculosis, oncology, etc.).

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At first, the scales can make you happy when the process is just beginning, because rarely anyone is happy with their weight. But if the loss of kilograms occurs too quickly, it’s time to sound the alarm, urgently look for the causes and eliminate them in order to avoid consequences dangerous to health and life.

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https://youtu.be/_HLrRk66zsU

Weight loss is usually a desirable process in the presence of excess body weight. Most often, losing kilograms occurs with increased physical activity or diet. However, after eliminating these causes, the weight quickly returns to normal. Therefore, sudden sudden weight loss, the reasons for which are unknown, is a cause for serious concern. In this case, you need to seek help from specialists.

Signs of illness

Significant weight loss in a short period of time does not go away without leaving a trace. A person experiences a deterioration in their general condition, which is expressed in the following symptoms:

1. Feeling overwhelmed, decreased ability to work.
2. Dehydration.
3. Significant reduction in the volume of subcutaneous tissue.
4. Anemia and deficiency of essential substances.
5. Deterioration in the appearance of the skin (sallow or pale tint, sagging, wrinkles).
6. Dryness and hair loss, brittle nail plates.
7. Inflammation of the oral mucosa.
8. Retention of stool.
9. Pathologies of the urinary system.
10. Sexual function disorders.
11. Anxiety.
12. Manifestation of aggression.
13. Depressed emotional state.

Common factors that contribute to weight loss

What are the most common causes of sudden weight loss in men? Among them are circumstances associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as health problems. The main factors contributing to weight loss should be listed:

• The presence of bad habits, abuse of junk food, emotional stress. An unbalanced diet, the presence in it of a large amount of salty, fried foods, spices and alcohol-containing drinks leads to disorders of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
• The presence of parasites in the body. There is a widespread belief that helminthic infestations are typical only for minors. However, weight loss in men due to helminthiasis is quite common. Parasites enter the human body due to non-compliance with hygiene standards, consumption of meat or fish dishes that have not undergone proper heat treatment. This primarily applies to lovers of medium-cooked meat, as well as sushi and other Japanese dishes.
• The presence of a malignant neoplasm. A significant decrease in body weight, a feeling of weakness, loss of appetite and decreased ability to work - all these signs may indicate the development of a cancerous tumor.
• Pathologies of the digestive system. These include ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic inflammatory processes in the stomach, pancreatitis, diseases of the liver and bile ducts. These ailments contribute to loss of appetite and poor absorption of nutrients.
• Tuberculosis of the respiratory system (lungs, trachea). Nowadays, regular examinations of children and adults are carried out to prevent pathology. If a person is diagnosed with this disease, he is sent to a dispensary where long-term therapy is provided. If diagnosed early, tuberculosis is treatable.
• Diabetes. This disease is associated with a lack of insulin.
• Violations of the functions of the vital veins, which lead to an acceleration of metabolism.
• Pathologies transmitted through intimate contact. One of the most common and dangerous diseases is AIDS.
• Mental disorders, eating disorders.
• Living or working in an area with excessive radiation levels.

Reasons for sudden weight loss

Sudden weight loss is called wasting or cachexia. Most often, weight loss occurs as a result of poor or insufficient nutrition, impaired absorption of food, in the case of increased breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the body or increased energy consumption. In addition, sudden weight loss with a good appetite and abundant nutrition is very often the cause of the disease. The following factors can lead to significant weight loss:

• Limiting food intake. Occurs as a result of impaired consciousness due to traumatic brain injury, stroke or the presence of a tumor, narrowing of the larynx, esophagus, decreased appetite, anorexia nervosa or intoxication;
• Indigestion. Occurs with atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, enteritis, colitis. Accompanied by problems with absorption of nutrients and digestion of proteins and fats;
• Metabolic disorder. In this case, the body experiences a predominance of destruction processes (catabolism) over synthesis processes. The causes are severe injuries, burns, malignant tumors, problems with the thyroid gland, and connective tissue diseases.

The most common reason for weight loss is stress associated with emotional experiences. Psychological trauma can cause severe weight loss, although the body may be generally healthy. Usually in this case, after some time the weight returns to normal. Also, loss of kilograms occurs in the presence of mental disorders as a result of lack of appetite.

A common cause of sudden weight loss, especially in children, is helminthic infestation. In this case, there is a decrease in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, signs of intoxication, and general fatigue. Typically, such diseases are caused by failure to comply with personal hygiene rules and eating poorly washed vegetables and fruits.

In many cases, the reasons for weight loss are, in addition to parasitic diseases, acute and chronic infections - intestinal infection, tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV infection. Penetrating into the human body, the pathogen releases toxins that damage the cellular structure. As a result, immunity decreases and the functioning of various systems and organs is disrupted. There are other reasons for losing weight.

Other negative impacts

Among the reasons for sudden weight loss in men, experts cite factors associated with poor nutrition.

Such circumstances include:

1. Diets, including medicinal ones. A significant decrease in body weight in this case may be associated with the individual characteristics of the body.
2. Consumption of low-quality products (canned food, noodles and instant purees).
3. Poor diet due to a busy work schedule.
4. A sudden transition to a vegetarian or raw food diet.
5. Observing religious fasts for a long time.

Diagnostics

Because of the high percentage of serious etiologies, all patients who experience unintentional weight loss should receive a thorough history and physical examination. Particular attention should be paid to symptoms and signs of cancer, gastrointestinal conditions and mental illness.

As a truly common syndrome, unintentional weight loss requires some detective work and a broad approach to reviewing the body.

A cause for concern is weight loss of more than 5-7 kilograms in 6-12 months without deliberate attempts to lose weight. The clinician may use indirect means of assessment (eg, the patient's assessment of weight loss, change in clothing size, testimony from a friend or relative, confirms weight loss). Clinical judgment must be used as some patients may not have evidence of weight loss, access to scales, or the skills necessary for assessment.

The above criteria should be considered as a starting point only. Patients with weight loss over a longer period of time, or those who are losing just 5% body weight but in whom there is concern about an underlying condition should also be evaluated.

In some cases, unintentional weight loss may occur suddenly (eg, the onset of hypotension, rapidly progressing infection). In such cases, immediate hospitalization may be required.

To establish the correct diagnosis, the following methods are used:

• general clinical examination;
• general and biochemical blood test;
• general analysis of urine and feces;
• Ultrasound;
• MRI;
• review by a psychologist;

Use of medications

Treatment with certain drugs also often leads to significant weight loss in men.

The reasons why body weight rapidly decreases often lie in loss of appetite when using the following remedies:

1. Hormones that eliminate thyroid dysfunction.
2. Medicines with a laxative effect.
3. Means for the treatment of cancer pathologies.
4. Drugs that stimulate brain activity.

Please note that if the doctor prescribes any remedy, you should strictly follow the instructions for it. The fact is that in some cases, men taking such medications sharply lose weight precisely because of incorrect dosage or too long a treatment period.

Bad habits

The negative effects of harmful substances contained in alcohol-containing products and tobacco are factors that contribute to weight loss. Nicotine impairs the absorption of essential substances and causes loss of appetite. Drinks containing ethanol cause poisoning and disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism. Drug use is also a cause of sudden weight loss in men. This addiction provokes a decrease in the body's resistance, loss of appetite and muscle atrophy.

Emotional stress

It is believed that representatives of the stronger sex are much easier to cope with traumatic events in life than women. However, the male body is also influenced by various mental shocks. And emotional stress is usually accompanied by loss of appetite. In this case, the human body is forced to make up for the deficiency of nutrients from its own reserves (fat tissue and muscle).

A prolonged state of stress can provoke depression. This disease can be recognized if the following signs are present:

• discomfort in the chest area;
• headaches;
• nervousness;
• sleep disorders;
• increased blood pressure;
• decreased ability to work, memory impairment;
• loss of sexual desire;
• apathy and depression;
• disorders of the digestive system.

If the cause of a man’s sudden weight loss is emotional stress, he should consult a specialist. Anti-anxiety medications and anti-depression medications help cope with the problem.

Reasons for losing weight in women

There are many reasons for women losing weight. If you experience a loss of five percent or more of your body weight in a short period of time, you should immediately consult a specialist. Sudden weight loss is almost always accompanied by disturbances in the nervous and cardiovascular systems; there is a water-salt imbalance in the body and disruptions in thermoregulation.

Sometimes sudden weight loss occurs when there is an energy deficiency. The reasons for its appearance are taking diet pills or long-term dieting. A poorly balanced diet causes malfunctions in the body. Irregular diet can also be a reason for weight loss in women. That is, the body lacks vital substances, so it uses its own reserves.

It should be remembered that any low-calorie diet is useful only for a short period of time. If you constantly follow it, your body will run out of energy reserves of vitamins, microelements and other useful substances. As a result, diseases of the digestive system may develop. In particular, gastritis and pancreatitis are frequent companions of lovers of various diets.

When gastric juice is produced and food is not supplied in sufficient quantities, the enzymes secreted by the pancreas are involved in the process of self-digestion. This releases toxins that damage the kidneys, liver, lungs, brain and other organs. Therefore, on fasting days it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, while avoiding sour drinks, coffee and strong tea.

It is worth noting that gastrointestinal diseases are often the causes of weight loss in both women and men. This may be a violation of the patency of the digestive canal, various inflammatory processes, impaired absorption in the stomach and small intestine. In acute or chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders (catabolism) are observed and the body's need for energy increases. And nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lead to losses of proteins, electrolytes and microelements.

Diabetes mellitus causes significant weight loss even with increased appetite. With this disease, there is a violation of all types of metabolism, primarily carbohydrate metabolism. Symptoms of the disease are thirst, frequent urination, dry skin and progressive weight loss, abdominal pain.

Also, the reasons for weight loss in women are often an imbalance of female hormones (although in this case, in this case, extra pounds are most often gained), postpartum depression, and breastfeeding.

Hormone imbalances

This disorder is typical for both women and the stronger sex. It can be suspected if the following signs are present:

1. Decreased sexual desire.
2. Sexual function disorder.
3. Inability to conceive.
4. Nervousness and increased drowsiness.
5. Feeling overwhelmed.
6. Decreased ability for intellectual activity.

Disorders of the VS functions are considered factors that provoke severe weight loss. In men, the causes of this are often pathologies of the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Thus, hyperthyroidism (a condition caused by increased production of thyroxine) is accompanied by weight loss against the background of normal appetite, accelerated heart rate, profuse sweating, trembling limbs, and insomnia. Another reason for weight loss is disruption of the adrenal glands. Its symptoms are muscle weakness, decreased blood pressure, craving for salty foods, dark skin tone and abdominal discomfort.

Prevention and treatment

To prevent uncontrolled weight loss, you must first of all pay attention to side symptoms that indicate various diseases that provoke this loss.

• For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a whole range of medications is needed. To optimize bile production, proton pump blockers are needed. They are necessary for use in a large number of pathologies of the digestive system;
• Taking medications to stimulate appetite
• Patients with gastritis and gastric and intestinal ulcers need antacids - substances that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, which accelerates digestion and intestinal motility;
• Hormonal imbalances in men and women are more difficult to treat. However, if you lose weight suddenly, you should never let the problem take its course. Such a rare diagnosis as type I diabetes requires constant use of insulin, otherwise the pancreas will not be able to cope with its functions.

In addition, simple daily methods will help prevent weight loss and improve appetite:

• increase physical activity;
• increase the calorie content of the menu;
• spend enough time outdoors;
• do not stress;
• allocate 7-8 hours for sleep;
• drink enough liquid.

Diabetes

Sometimes, with an increased need for food, rapid weight loss occurs. The cause in men, as well as in women, may be a lack of insulin. We are talking about diabetes.

This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• dry mouth and strong feeling of thirst;
• nervousness;
• loss of consciousness;
• smell of acetone from the mouth.

Respiratory pathologies

Tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous infections. She is difficult to treat. Among the causes of sudden weight loss in men, one of the most common is this disease.

Those most susceptible to TB are people with drug and alcohol addictions, prisoners, and people with nutritional deficiencies.

The infection is manifested by severe discomfort in the chest area, coughing attacks with the release of sputum and blood particles, profuse sweating, fever, and weakness.

Weight loss can also be caused by an inflammatory process in the lungs - pneumonia. Unlike tuberculosis, this pathology has an acute rather than chronic course.

Malignant neoplasms

Cancerous tumors are also often an explanation for why weight loss in men. This disease is accompanied not only by a significant decrease in body weight, but also by other symptoms. Symptoms depend on the organ in which the tumor has formed.

Patients suffer from various manifestations. It can be:

1. Coughing attacks.
2. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Loss of appetite.
4. Hoarseness of voice.
5. Long healing of skin wounds.
6. The appearance of compactions.

All patients with cancer pathologies experience broken, brittle hair and nail plates, and changes in complexion.

Unfortunately, men often put off visiting the doctor. When they go to the hospital, doctors can no longer do anything.

Mental problems

One of the factors contributing to weight loss is eating disorder (anorexia). It occurs, as a rule, in boys and young men. The cause of the development of this disease in representatives of the stronger sex is often mental illness (depression, schizophrenic disorder).

Anorexia is a condition in which a person does not get enough nutrients as a result of not eating.

Sometimes men resort to diets because of their profession as a fashion model or artist. Often the reason is statements made by peers about the fatness of a young man. Anorexia is dangerous because it provokes disruptions in the functioning of organs and body systems, which leads to death.

Another serious mental disorder is senile dementia. It most often occurs after 65 years of age. But sometimes the disease develops in middle-aged people. It often causes weight loss in men over 40. The fact is that patients with senile dementia are not able to take care of themselves, including eating on time. Such people should be constantly under the supervision of relatives or medical staff.

Special cases

Reasons for men

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The reasons for sudden weight loss in men are most often dictated by excessive addiction to bad habits: this could be smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction.

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The second most common factor is stress. Considering themselves the stronger sex, they keep their experiences to themselves, not allowing their emotions to spill out. As a result, they seem to melt from the inside, spending a lot of energy on mental anguish. Most often this happens at the age of about 30, when they are faced with career growth, the birth of children, and a crisis in marriage.

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And the last possible reason is problems with the prostate gland.

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Reasons for women

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Specific reasons for sudden weight loss in women are primarily related to hormonal levels during pregnancy, after childbirth and during menopause. Toxicosis in the first and third trimesters leads to the fact that the expectant mother cannot look at food. Constant nausea and vomiting also provoke loss of appetite. After the birth of the baby, the time of worries and troubles begins: there is a lot to do, and a huge amount of energy is spent on them, but there is no time to sit down and eat. During menopause, women worry about approaching old age. Against the background of hormonal changes after 40 years, this leads to rapid loss of kilograms.

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Causes in teenagers

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With sudden weight loss in teenagers, parents should be especially careful. Sometimes they experience a rapid growth spurt that their weight cannot keep up with. It seems that he is losing pounds, although in fact they remain at the same level. This point should not cause concern, since over time the physique will develop and physical indicators will normalize.

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A truly dangerous reason for sudden weight loss among teenagers is drug addiction. If there are no diseases that could provoke such rapid weight loss, parents are simply obliged to do everything to find out if this has happened.

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Among teenage girls, the most common cause is anorexia and a painful desire to look like a model.

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Causes in the elderly

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With the onset of old age, all processes in the body slow down, including metabolism. Therefore, losing weight after 50 years is considered completely natural. You should be wary if it is too sharp and the loss does not stop. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination. The most common reasons for weight loss in old age are oncology, diabetes mellitus and tooth loss (difficulty chewing food leads to serious digestive problems).

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How to deal with the problem?

Sudden weight loss is a symptom that requires consulting a doctor. After examinations, the cause of the loss of kilograms can be determined.

A proper diet is of great importance for recovery. You should eat little but often. Products should be light, but contain substances necessary for the body. The daily menu should include milk dishes, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat dishes. As prescribed by your doctor, you should take vitamin supplements, medications to improve digestion, medications with a calming effect, and medications that stimulate your appetite. In case of serious exhaustion, droppers and injections are used in a hospital setting.

For some, losing five or two kilograms without making any effort at all is simply incredible luck. People can “fight” for years for every lost gram, exhausting themselves with training in the gym and tormenting themselves with strict diets, for example, “1200 calories”. However, in some cases, it turns out that a person simply begins to lose weight without making any effort at all. The reasons for sudden weight loss in men may indicate various types of health problems. It is better to react to such incidents immediately so as not to miss the disease and prevent it from developing to a global scale.

Who loses weight faster - men or women?

When a guy and a girl work out almost equally in the gym and follow similar diets, the results of their workouts still vary greatly. Even after a week, it becomes noticeable that the young man has lost a lot of weight, lost weight and acquired additional definition.

By this time, a girl is often content with only a slight decrease in volume or a small decrease in weight, and even then not always. Therefore, the question of why men lose weight faster than women remains open.

Medical research has helped to understand the problem of rapid weight loss in men and slow weight loss in women. Some reasons turned out to be on the surface and have long been known to everyone, while others have updated the idea of ​​weight loss for different genders.

We recommend reading about how to lose weight if you have no willpower. From the article you will learn about what you need to eat to lose weight quickly, whether it is possible to lose weight without dieting, which sport to give preference to. And here is more information about the diet for a sedentary lifestyle.

Sudden weight loss in men: when to sound the alarm

Anyone may experience the fact that their mass begins to rapidly decrease, although there were no prerequisites for this. There can be quite a few reasons, but not all of them indicate the presence of any diseases. Although the chances of such a development of events are also by no means minimal. Therefore, in order to protect yourself as much as possible, you should consult a doctor as soon as you discover strange symptoms.

How do experts figure it out?

When you contact your doctor, you will receive a list of tests that you will have to undergo to identify the cause of the abnormal “behavior” of your body. Typically, doctors initially ask a series of questions, the answers to which can be thought out in advance.

• Have you recently had any severe intoxication, poisoning, or suffered from vomiting, diarrhea or nausea?
• Have you had any problems with your teeth? With long-term treatment, or even more so, prosthetics, patients often completely lose their appetite, which is why they begin to rapidly lose weight.
• Has your appetite decreased or are you continuing to eat as before?
• There has been no significant stress in your life recently, are you experiencing symptoms of depression, increased nervousness, mild excitability, aggressiveness, irritability?
• How do you feel about alcohol, narcotic and psychotropic substances, do you smoke cigarettes?
• Are there any other health complaints other than sudden weight gain? Have you had any pain lately?

If positive answers predominate, then losing weight may depend not on internal, but on external problems affecting you. Then the solution will lie in the area of ​​behavior correction, for example, quitting smoking. It doesn’t hurt to immediately tell your doctor if you take any medications, use dietary supplements, stimulants, herbal teas, or stimulants. Weight loss is a worrying factor, so it makes sense not to put it off, but to immediately consult a doctor, even if in general you feel quite well.

The main reasons for sudden weight loss in men

Anyone who even slightly understands how our body works should understand that everything in it is arranged for a reason. All processes occurring in it are strongly interconnected. Therefore, even a minimal failure in any of its systems will certainly affect all other systems and processes. Let's look at the most likely reasons for rapid weight loss in men.

Emotional overload

In real life, everything is very far from being as rosy as we would like. Dangers, stress and troubles await us from everywhere. Negative experiences may await us at school, work, relationships with loved ones and friends may not work out. All this leads to a sharp loss of body weight.

A person mired in constant emotional overload, from which he receives neither rest nor calm, often simply refuses food completely or partially. It is clear that this will lead to weight loss. In addition, the substances our bodies produce as a result of these negative experiences help us process nutrients more quickly. Moreover, most of the “benefits” from them are simply not absorbed.

Improper nutrition

The reason for rapid weight gain can also be an incorrectly chosen diet and its incorrect qualities. For example, with a balanced diet, the body receives all the necessary substances, so weight fluctuations simply cannot be observed without serious reasons. The following factors may contribute to such anomalies.

• Diets, especially those that are incorrectly selected and not discussed with doctors.
• Long posts.
• Transition to some kind of strict nutrition system. This could be vegetarianism, a raw food diet, and other similar systems that are now fashionable.

Probable factors

Diet

The most obvious answer to the question of why weight drops sharply may be simple: diet. A certain diet is not always a conscious choice of a person: a revision of the diet is possible for objective reasons, a banal lack of time for food, and the like. If a man is obese, but there are no metabolic problems, weight can decrease rapidly. In the first few days, the mass becomes smaller due to the convergence of swelling. You shouldn’t be afraid of such sudden weight loss - it’s completely physiological. However, you should not lose weight too quickly: this can lead to the appearance of stretch marks and skin problems. Aesthetic medicine is not cheap, and it is almost impossible to cope with the problem on your own. The nutritional factor and dietary errors are one of the main reasons.

Psycho-emotional stress

Stress, depression. Prolonged psycho-emotional stress is quite capable of causing unplanned weight loss. In this case, two factors play a role:

1. The first is eating disorders caused by a person’s depressed state. During periods of severe stress and depression, large amounts of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol are produced. These substances block the hunger center, suppressing and dulling the desire to eat. The condition is, as they say, “a piece won’t fit in your throat.”
2. On the other hand, the production of these stress hormones in itself helps burn fat deposits and reduce a man’s body weight. The body strives to draw energy from reserves in order to bring the body into a state of homeostasis and normalize the functioning of the nervous and other systems.

Alcoholism and smoking impair metabolism in the body, which leads to weight loss

Bad habits

Smoking and alcohol abuse. As a result of smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, lipid metabolism in the body is disrupted. Nutrients cease to be absorbed normally, and a deficiency of many important compounds occurs. This doesn't happen right away. The factor is encountered by smokers and alcoholics “with experience” when a physiological dependence develops.

Diseases

Worm infestation

Worms may be the cause of weight loss. Parasitic infection occurs as a result of insufficient hygiene, eating raw meat or fish, and contact with soil. Helminthic infestation is fraught with a sharp loss of body weight: helminths literally “steal” nutrients, parasitizing the body. In addition to weight loss, other characteristic symptoms are observed:

The epigastric region is highlighted in reddish color.

pain in the epigastric region, iliac regions;

• increased production of intestinal gases;
• problems with stool;
• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• lack of performance;
• sleep disorders;
• rashes all over the body caused by an allergic reaction to waste products of pathogenic organisms.

Everyone knows that advanced cancer causes dramatic weight loss. The cancer process is a huge stress for the body. Malignant cellular structures are characterized by great “gluttony”. In later stages, the proliferative activity of pathogenic tissues and cells increases so much that all nutrients are required for their own growth. In addition, the body desperately mobilizes all the body's reserves to restore functions and strengthen the immune system. Hence the sharp weight loss and painful thinness of cancer patients.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastritis, ulcers, hepatitis, cholecystitis in an advanced state lead to the impossibility of normal absorption of nutrients. There is a deficiency of carbohydrates and fats. This condition is fraught with loss of normal body weight.

Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies

Diabetes is a real disaster for the body. Normal insulin synthesis is disrupted, glucose is constantly elevated, and a total disturbance of lipid metabolism is observed. Often this condition leads to obesity, but in 20% of cases (approximate data) the opposite effect is observed.

Hyperthyroidism can also cause weight loss. The thyroid gland acts as a kind of cauldron of the human body. If the “heating boiler” begins to work too intensely, the body produces too much energy and, accordingly, heat. Such rapid energy metabolism requires a lot of resources, which the body draws by destroying fat deposits. A patient with hyperthyroidism experiences a constant feeling of heat, neck relief is measured, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), and body temperature rises.

Problems of infectious origin

Infectious diseases “undermine” the body from the inside. The more serious the disease, the more the body mobilizes all its resources. The most serious disease in this group is tuberculosis. If you experience: cough, hemoptysis, difficulty breathing, you need to think about your own health. Weight loss is also typical for HIV infection in the later stages.

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What to do if your weight drops suddenly

Any disharmony in the harmonious system of our body causes, at least, unpleasant symptoms. If you suddenly notice any problems, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. It’s best to first go to your therapist, who, if there are no visible problems, will refer you where you need to go. First of all, you will have to go to a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist. Sometimes you have to go further, to an infectious disease specialist, a parasitologist, and in some cases even an oncologist. You need to pass all the tests, pass the tests in order to get a clear, reliable result.

• Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
• Detailed blood test for biochemistry.
• Analysis of stool for worm eggs.
• X-ray of the lungs.
• FGDS, endoscopy, bronchoscopy.
• Tuberculin test.
• Sugar curve.
• Hormonal tests.
• Urethral smear.
• Analysis of urine.

If you do not promptly track the factor that affects your weight, then treatment may subsequently be difficult, and perhaps even ineffective. If there are no failures, then most likely the reason lies in improperly organized nutrition. However, keep in mind that it is unlikely to be possible to identify this on your own, without the help of a specialist. Under no circumstances should you self-diagnose on the Internet or self-medicate, otherwise the problem can be seriously aggravated.