Tests and LabsComplete blood count (CBC): A CBC can show evidence of infections, anemia (a lack of red blood cells that can be caused by many conditions), and more.Thyroid panel.Liver function tests.Kidney function tests.Blood sugar (glucose)Urinalysis.Meer items…
What is the most common cause of unexplained weight loss?
Unintentional weight loss has many different causes. It might be caused by a stressful event like a divorce, losing a job, or the death of a loved one. It can also be caused by malnutrition, a health condition or a combination of things.
What tests do doctors do for unexplained weight loss?
Procedures. Endoscopy procedures such as an upper GI endoscopy or colonoscopy can look for evidence of gastrointestinal causes of weight loss. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, and it is helpful in diagnosing many conditions, including infections present on the heart valves (infectious endocarditis)
What test should be done for weight loss?
Blood Tests Can Help Manage Your Weight LossComprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) … Complete Blood Count (CBC) … Lipid Profile. … Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate. … Testosterone Total. … Progesterone. … Estradiol. … C-Reactive Protein Cardiac.Meer items…•
What diseases causes rapid weight loss?
What are the causes of unexplained weight loss?An overactive or underactive thyroid gland. … Cancer.Crohn’s disease (an inflammation of the bowels)Heart failure.Addison’s disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.Meer items…•
When should I worry about unexplained weight loss?
The point at which unexplained weight loss becomes a medical concern is not exact. But many doctors agree that a medical evaluation is called for if you lose more than 5 percent of your weight in six months to a year, especially if you’re an older adult.
What cancers cause unexplained weightloss?
According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and lung. Other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, are more likely to cause weight loss when a tumor grows large enough to press on the stomach.
Why do I keep losing weight even though I eat?
Some people may lose weight despite eating normally. This is called cachexia. With cachexia, your body may not be absorbing all the fat, protein and carbohydrate from the food you eat. And you may be burning up calories faster than normal.
What is weight loss a symptom of?
Other, less common causes of unintentional weight loss include cancer, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), abdominal infection, gastroenteritis, dementia, celiac disease, and HIV or AIDS. Long periods of weight loss can lead to malnutrition.
Can digestive problems cause weight loss?
The all-consuming power of stress may leave you unable to think about anything else. This may affect your eating habits. You may not feel hungry or may forget to eat altogether when experiencing stress, leading to weight loss.
Can stress cause weight loss even if you’re eating?
The all-consuming power of stress may leave you unable to think about anything else. This may affect your eating habits. You may not feel hungry or may forget to eat altogether when experiencing stress, leading to weight loss.
