Unexpected weight loss should never be ignored, warns Dr Amir Khan, a practising GP and best-selling author. He stresses that unexplained weight loss is a significant red flag symptom that warrants prompt medical investigation.
Dr Khan highlights that sudden, unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of several serious health conditions, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), and cancer. Speaking on ITV’s morning program, he urged people to seek medical advice if they notice this symptom.
“If you’re losing weight without trying, don’t wait or dismiss it,” Dr Khan advises. “It could be an indication of an underlying illness that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.”
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An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones. According to the NHS, this condition can lead to a range of troubling symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, heat intolerance, a swollen neck, and muscle tremors. It affects women about ten times more frequently than men, mostly between the ages of 20 and 40. Diagnosis usually involves a blood test, with treatments ranging from medication to slow the thyroid, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.
Diabetes is another critical cause of unexplained weight loss. Type 1 diabetes arises when the body fails to produce insulin, while Type 2 involves either insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. Both types can cause serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage if left unmanaged.
Cancer remains one of the most serious concerns tied to unexpected weight loss. In the UK, over 385,000 cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with around 167,000 deaths. While the overall survival rate is approximately 50%, this varies widely depending on the type of cancer. Notably, about 38% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle measures.
Other potential causes of sudden weight loss include infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, both of which can be life-threatening if untreated. Autoimmune conditions such as Coeliac disease—where gluten triggers damaging immune responses in the gut—and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes severe digestive symptoms, can also lead to significant weight loss.
In summary, Dr Khan stresses the critical need to get any unexplained weight loss checked by a healthcare professional promptly. Early detection and treatment can substantially improve outcomes for many of these serious conditions.