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Unintentional weight loss

Losing a lot of weight unintentionally can result from eating less, gastrointestinal problems, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, infection, mental health problems, medicines or cancer. The rate of loss, muscle loss and accompanying symptoms determine urgency; have clear unintentional weight loss medically assessed.

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Losing a lot of weight unintentionally can result from eating less, gastrointestinal problems, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, infection, mental health problems, medicines or cancer. The rate of loss, muscle loss and accompanying symptoms determine urgency; have clear unintentional weight loss medically assessed.

  • Clearly lower weight, looser clothing and loss of muscle size or strength.
  • Reduced appetite, feeling full early, nausea, pain when swallowing or altered taste.
  • Weigh yourself no more than once a week under similar conditions and record the trend.
  • Keep a record for a few days of what you eat and drink and which symptoms limit eating.
  • Make an appointment soon for continuing unintentional weight loss, muscle loss or looser clothing without explanation.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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