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Patient Information
Unexplained Weight Loss
Low Body Weight
Patient HelpLine
813-780-8440
www.floridamedicalclinic.com
12/2011
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU
Your healthcare provider will determine your prop-
Psychiatric causes including depression
er weight based upon a measurement called a
can also lead to poor appetite and weight
BMI. This measurement is calculated using your
loss. Eating disorders such as anorexia
weight and your height and does not require any
nervosa or bulimia nervosa are disorders
specialized testing. If your BMI is low or if you are
that cause weight loss and these condi-
losing weight unintentionally, this may indicate a
tions can be quite serious.
problem that your healthcare provider will need to
look into further.
The treatment of low weight or unexplained
weight loss varies for each different condi-
Maintaining a proper weight is an important
Proper nutrition and adequate caloric intake is
tion, so it is very important to follow-up with
part of your overall health. Unintended weight
important in maintaining your weight. A diet con-
your provider about any unexplained weight
loss or low body weight is something that you
sisting of healthy food choices providing adequate
loss.
should discuss with your health care provider.
calorie and nutrient intake is important in main-
These conditions may indicate something as
taining your weight. In some circumstances, your
simple as poor diet or poor appetite or it may
provider may recommend nutritional supplements
be a sign of a more serious medical or psychi-
in addition to a healthy diet in order to provide the
atric problem. There may be changes in ap-
calories that you need. It is also important that
petite related to medications or diseases.
you have proper dental care so that you can ade-
Swallowing problems can also lead to weight
quately chew your food. Dental problems can lead
loss. Medical conditions such as diabetes or
to weight loss or low body weight. It is also im-
diseases that cause poor absorption of food
portant that you discuss any problems with swal-
into the body can result in weight loss or low
lowing with your provider.
body weight. Poor dietary habits or poor food
choices can lead to weight loss. It is important that you discuss your dietary habits
with your healthcare provider.
Recommended Reading:
www.nutrition.gov
www.uptodate.com/patients