I know, I know! Everyone is always talking about weight loss like it is a good thing. If someone is losing weight without trying it can be a worry and is worth a visit to your GP to see what is going on. Weight loss can be associated with some medical conditions, cancer treatment, eating disorders or mood.
Signs of weight loss (other than the scales)
- Clothing is looser
- Jewellery not fitting
- Pants are falling down or using an extra notch on your belt
- Dentures not fitting as well
- Feeling the cold more than usual
- Feeling like you have lost some muscles in your arms or legs
- Not feeling as strong and steady on your feet
- Bones poking out more than usual
- People have been commenting on your size
- Eating less than usual
Loss of appetite can be due to
- Low mood, depression or stress
- Effects of illness
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – e.g., nausea, vomiting
- Treatment or medication side effects
- Being unable to cook or prepare food
Why is it a worry?
- Higher infection risk
- Poor immunity
- Decreases in mobility
- Instability and higher chance of falls
- Reduced ability to do usual daily activities
- Increased risk of pressure sores
- Increased risk of bone loss and hip fractures
- Longer hospital stays
Our nurses can ask you a few questions to see whether you would benefit from seeing Emma our Dietitian. Emma will work with you or your loved one to find strategies to help to prevent any further weight loss and work towards gaining weight.
