Less common causes of unexpected weight loss

Less frequently, unexpected weight loss may be the result of:

  • the side effects of certain medications
  • alcohol misuse or drug misuse
  • heart, kidney, lung or liver disease
  • a problem with the glands that secrete hormonessuch as Addison's disease or undiagnosed diabetes
  • a long-term inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
  • dental problemssuch as losing teeth , having new orthodontics or mouth ulcers
  • a condition that causes dysphagia (swallowing problems)
  • a disease of the gut, such asa stomach ulcer , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or coeliac disease
  • a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection, such as persistent gastroenteritis , tuberculosis (TB) or HIV and AIDS
  • dementia people with dementia may be unable to communicate their eating needs

Click on the links above for more information about these causes, including adviceon how to manage them.


Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018