What Are the Causes of Unintended Weight Loss?

Shedding a few pounds can be expected when you exercise more or eat healthier foods, but losing large amounts of weight without trying can indicate a possible serious illness that requires immediate medical attention. Possible diseases related to weight loss include diabetes, hyperthyroidism or cancer. Do not attempt to self-medicate to remedy your weight loss as these conditions require a consultation with a medical professional.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Diabetes is a chronic condition that is caused by your body's inability to produce enough insulin or when your body ignores insulin. This can cause sugar to build up in your bloodstream, which can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels. If left untreated diabetes can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, blindness and ultimately, death. Other symptoms associated with diabetes include fatigue, frequent infections, and increased hunger and thirst, according to the American Diabetes Association. Because your body is unable to properly use glucose, it is eliminated during urination, which causes your body to use fuel stored in your fat and muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Type 2 diabetes is treated by establishing and maintaining a healthy diet of mostly non-starchy vegetables and fruit, with limited consumption of meat and starches. Reduce your saturated fat intake, as diabetics are at a high risk of developing heart disease. Saturated fat is found in the skin of chicken, red meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts and butter. If dieting does not help manage your blood glucose levels your doctor may prescribe medication to assist you. Sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides and DPP-4 inhibitors are just a few medications that lower blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin release, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Hyperthyroidism

• Your thyroid gland controls the functioning of your metabolism. If your thyroid becomes overactive it can produce too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism. An increase of metabolism causes your body to burn off more calories than you're consuming, which leads to weight loss. Other symptoms included with hyperthyroidism are rapid heartbeat, sweating, increased appetite and tremors. This condition can be treated with beta blockers or anti-thyroid medication to reduce the amount of hormones your thyroid gland produces.

Cancer

• Colon cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer are all forms of cancer that cause unintentional weight loss. Abnormal cells in your body can grow out of control, and over time multiply and attack healthy tissue. These cells become cancerous, and instead of dying they continue to grow, according to the American Cancer Society. It is important to have an annual physical to check for moles, freckles and lumps that may be an early indication of cancer. The sooner your doctor is able to diagnose and treat cancer, the better chances you have of surviving.