If your weight goes up or down and you don’t know why, you might brush it off as stress or part of getting older. But it could be your body trying to tell you that something is wrong.
Whether you have lost or gained weight, there might be a medical reason behind your weight change. And the sooner you know, the sooner you can deal with it. Below, our internal medicine specialists in Munster, Indiana are going to explain why these changes might be happening.
Weight loss without a reason should be taken seriously
It is normal for your weight to change a little from day to day. A pound or two is nothing to worry about. But if your weight drops fast and keeps dropping, especially if you are not even trying to lose weight, you should pay attention to that. For example, you should talk to a qualified internal medicine specialist if you lose more than 5% of your body weight in 6-12 months without changing anything.
A study of nearly 2,700 people found that many cases like this were linked to gastrointestinal diseases or mental health disorders. Other causes include thyroid disease, chronic infections, and even early-stage cancers. These conditions may not immediately cause pain or show obvious symptoms, but they can still lead to steady weight loss.
In the same study, about 14% of people did not have a clear cause for their weight loss, even after six months. But a few of them still turned out to have serious illnesses, including cancer. Some of these were only discovered months later. This is why you should not assume everything is fine just because the first round of tests looks normal.
So, if you have been losing weight without trying, and it is not stopping, it’s recommended that you talk to a doctor immediately. An experienced internal medicine specialist in Munster, Indiana can take a closer look and follow up over time, even if nothing shows up immediately.
Unexpected weight gain should also be checked
You are eating the same and still walking or working out like usual. But you keep gaining weight. That can be a frustrating feeling. But worse, it can be a sign that something in your body is off.
Not all weight gain comes from fat. It could be extra fluid building up in your body. If your legs, ankles, or belly are swelling and feel heavy or tight, that might be the cause. This kind of fluid buildup can make breathing harder too. It is something doctors usually see with heart disease or kidney failure.
Your body can also gain weight if your metabolism slows down. That happens with certain hormone problems like thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or Cushing’s syndrome. It can also happen if you have insulin resistance. In these cases, your body may not burn calories as it should or store more fat than usual.
Some medicines can cause weight gain as well. Steroids, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can change your appetite or how your body holds on to fat and water.
We used to think weight was mostly about what you eat and how much you move. But newer research says it is more complicated than that. Your brain, hormones, and nervous system work together to manage hunger and how your body stores fat and uses energy. It is a complex system, and small changes in one area can have noticeable effects.
If you are gaining weight and don’t know why — especially if you also feel tired or notice swelling — it’s best to talk to an internal medicine specialist in Munster, Indiana. They can go through your health history, medications, and test results to see what is really going on with your body.
Looking for an Affordable Internal Medicine Specialist in Munster, Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internal medicine specialist in Munster, Indiana who will give you clear answers about your weight changes or anything else with your health? If so, 219 Health Network is the top choice. Our team of board-certified internists is here to support your health from every angle. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your first appointment.