What is abnormal weight loss in newborns?
Abnormal weight lose in infants is associated with cases whereby a baby loses over ten percent of its body mass. This can be an indication of feeding or that one has some medical conditions that need to be examined. The ICD-10 code used to represent a serious newborn weight loss was P92.5.
How much weight loss is too much?
If you gain less than 5 -7 percent of your total weight in six months without dieting and physical exercise, then it is termed as abnormal and a medical concern.
What are common causes of abnormal weight loss in adults?
Adults can unexplain their weight loss since the reasons can include digestive (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease), chronic infections (HIV, tuberculosis), hyperthyroidism (thus, overactive thyroid), cancer, mental (e.g. depression, anxiety) or eating disorders.
What is R63.4?
The code R63.4 applied by medical practitioners when documenting unexplained or abnormal weight loss in adult patients is ICD-10.
What symptoms should I watch for alongside weight loss?
Monitor the presence of unusually persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea, abdominal pains or early satiety. Any of these symptoms associated with a reduction in weight should be evaluated medically.
How is abnormal weight loss diagnosed?
In most cases, diagnosis is based on details of medical history and physical examination, blood test, imaging (such as CT scan or ultrasound), and in case required, endoscopic tests, such as upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, to determine the underlying cause of problem.
Can stress cause weight loss?
Yes. Chronic stress can inhibit the appetite, change digestion or uptake greater metabolic needs that may all cause unwanted weight loss.
What is anorexia nervosa with abnormal weight loss?
Anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 code F50.0) is an eating disorder whereby one experiences a fear of getting fat and loses a lot of weight that may have serious health outcomes.
When should I see a specialist for weight loss?
You can also visit a gastroenterologist or general practitioner in case you have lost not less than 5 percent of your body weight during six months without fixing your diet or workout program, or in case you have alarming symptoms as well as weight loss.
Can abnormal weight loss be treated?
Yes. When the underlying cause is establish it can be treated with plans as simple as nutritional advice and drug modification or as detailed as medical or surgical interventions, to regain normal weight and wellbeing.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
| Updated 03-17-2026