Abnormal weight loss is when you lose more than 5% of your body weight in six months without dieting or increasing exercise. It can occur suddenly or gradually and often signals an underlying health issue. If you're shedding pounds despite eating normally, it's important to investigate the cause.
Unexplained weight loss may be accompanied by other warning signs, such as:
Many conditions can lead to unintended weight loss, including:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our specialists combine advanced diagnostics and compassionate, patient-centered care to uncover the root cause of your unexplained weight loss. From targeted lab work and imaging to personalized nutritional guidance and endoscopic evaluation, we build a treatment plan designed to restore your strength and well-being. Don't let abnormal weight changes go unchecked Book an Appointment Today and take the first step toward regaining your health.
We've successfully treated more than 399 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Abnormal weight loss in newborns occurs when an infant loses more than 10% of their birth weight. This may signal feeding or medical issues that require evaluation. The ICD-10 code for significant newborn weight loss is P92.5.
Losing more than 5%-7% of your total body weight within six months without diet or exercise is considered abnormal and warrants medical attention.
Unexplained weight loss in adults can stem from digestive disorders (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease), chronic infections (HIV, tuberculosis), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), cancer, mental health conditions (depression, anxiety), medication side effects, or eating disorders.
R63.4 is the ICD-10 code used by healthcare providers to document unexplained or abnormal weight loss in adults when no immediate cause is identified.
Watch for persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or early fullness after meals. Any of these signs with weight loss should prompt a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical exam, blood tests, imaging studies (like CT or ultrasound), and, when indicated, endoscopic procedures such as upper endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify underlying causes.
Yes. Chronic stress may suppress appetite, alter digestion, or increase metabolic demands, all of which can lead to unintended weight loss.
Anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 code F50.0) is an eating disorder characterized by intentional food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and significant weight loss, often with serious health consequences.
You should consult a gastroenterologist or primary care specialist if you've lost more than 5% of your body weight over six months without changing your diet or exercise routine, or if you experience concerning symptoms alongside weight loss.
Yes. Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment plans-ranging from nutritional counseling and medication adjustments to specific medical or surgical therapies-can help restore healthy weight and overall well-being.
