Infections
Infections caused by certain types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites can lead to weight loss. Being infected is a common reason for weight loss, including infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, and endocarditis.
Medications
Some types of medications can directly cause weight loss as they may induce nausea and decreased appetite, which leads to weight loss. Medications that increase metabolism can also result in burning more calories, such as stimulant drugs, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and medications for type 2 diabetes.
Cancer
Weight loss may sometimes be associated with cancer. Loss of weight can be an early sign of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This is because cancer cells are abnormal harmful cells that may cause the secretion of chemicals that alter the way food is digested or overly activate the immune system to work hard against them, resulting in greater energy consumption and burning more calories, leading to weight loss.
Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland may experience disorders that increase the secretion of thyroid hormones, which activates metabolic processes and burning in the body. This, in turn, contributes to burning more calories and weight loss, and may also include symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and discomfort.
Other Causes of Weight Loss
Other potential reasons for weight loss include dental problems, such as tooth loss or new dental braces, or mouth sores, problems with swallowing, stomach ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease, dementia, where dementia patients struggle to meet their nutritional needs, adherence to specific diets, and engaging in physical exercise.
