Weight Loss

Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body mass, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. It can occur unintentionally due to an underlying disease or can arise from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state.

Unintentional weight loss occurs in many diseases and conditions, including some very serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and a variety of other diseases.Poor management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), leads to an excessive amount of glucose and an insufficient amount of insulin in the bloodstream. This triggers the release of triglycerides from adipose (fat) tissue and catabolism (breakdown) of amino acids in muscle tissue. This results in a loss of both fat and lean mass, leading to a significant reduction in total body weight. Note that untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus will usually not produce weight loss, as these patients get acutely ill before they would have had time to lose weight.In addition to weight loss due to a reduction in fat and lean mass, illnesses such as diabetes, certain medications, lack of fluid intake and other factors can trigger fluid loss. Infections such as HIV may alter metabolism, leading to weight loss.Hormonal disruptions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), may also exhibit as weight loss.Recent research has shown fidgeting to result in significant weight loss.

Some causes of unintentional weight loss:
• Renal disease. Patients who have uremia often have poor or absent appetite, emesis and nausea. This can cause weight loss.
• Cardiac disease. Cardiovascular disease, especially congestive heart failure, may cause unexplained weight loss.
• Pulmonary disease.
• Connective tissue disease
• Neurologic disease, including dementia