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Original poster

Is there any medical nasty that might cause weight loss without any other obvious symptoms?

31 replies

OrmIrian · 20/06/2008 13:19

Not feeling ill at all, a bit tired but I suspect that's my age and the life I live. I've shrunk in the last 6 months or so nearly 2 dress sizes without really dieting as such and not increasing my exercise levels hugely. I was putting to down to running a lot more but I've had a couple of weeks off because of an injury and my jeans are loose again.

Whilst it's great and I don't want it to stop it does seem odd. If there was anything wrong surely I'd notice other symptoms wouldn't I?

OP posts:
motherinferior · 20/06/2008 13:20

You're stressed. Don't forget that.

crokky · 20/06/2008 13:20

I think there is a thryoid (sp?) thing that can do this to you. I also think it is quite easily treated. Sorry not to know any more about it.

OverMyDeadBody · 20/06/2008 13:20

running does cause weight loss.

But thyroid problems can cause weight loss without obvious symptoms too I think.

ib · 20/06/2008 13:22

I've had this a number of times from giardia cysts. Been anywhere tropical lately?

OverMyDeadBody · 20/06/2008 13:22

stress will do it. Deffo. Stress and running as well, of course you're loosing weight.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 20/06/2008 13:25

Tropical ib? Ha! Unless East Devon is tropical

I am indeed stressed MI but that isn't really new. BTW I haven't got your cat - there is something still wrong with my profile I think. I will do some ferreting.

Thyroid. My SIL suffered from this. I will investigate.

Thankyou.

OP posts:
thumbwitch · 20/06/2008 13:32

tapeworm or other gut parasite - you don't have to have been anywhere tropical but anywhere sheep are might have an impact. Tiredness goes with it too as the parasites have a lot of your nutrients off you, leaving you short.

There is of course the real nasty - sometimes the first sign is unexplained weight loss. Not trying to worry you but you should definitely go to GP with concerns.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 20/06/2008 13:36

Really thumbwitch? I sort of assumed the real nasty would make itself known in other ways first shows how much I know. Gulp.

I did think tapeworm I must admit but I can't think how I would have got them. Not many sheep round here.

OP posts:
DisplacementActivity · 20/06/2008 13:38

Message withdrawn

motherinferior · 20/06/2008 13:41

Yes, it can start as weight loss: I'm sure it's not, but go.

thumbwitch · 20/06/2008 13:42

unexplained weight loss at the bottom
Sorry OrmIrian, didn't want to scare you but it is a possibility that you need to rule out.

Tapeworm could have come from undercooked pork but unlikely these days

thumbwitch · 25/06/2008 01:12

Hi OrmIrian
Just wondered if you had seen your GP yet and got an explanation for your weight loss? Hope all is well

Aitch · 25/06/2008 01:14

okay, this is grim and i do not want to scare you but my dad and my friend's cancers both caused them to lose weight at least six months before any symptoms cropped up. of course it was only in retrospect that they put two and two together, but they were told it's not uncommon.

Aitch · 25/06/2008 01:16

have just read thumbwitch's link. i hope you've had an appointment, lovely ormrian. and remember, you have been stressed off your head.

Littlefish · 25/06/2008 07:14

Diabetes can cause weight loss, but is usually accompanied by tiredness & being very thirsty.

I think the main thing is to get to the GP and get it checked out.

Monkeytrousers · 25/06/2008 07:22

running can help with weight loss but not thsi much in women. Go to the docs, there are many things it could be, not all of them terrible.

2sugars · 25/06/2008 07:23

Agree with displacement - see your GP. It could be one of a number of things that we can all speculate on but you don't really want that, surely?

NotQuiteCockney · 25/06/2008 07:34

Stress could be a cause, running could be a cause, but please get checked.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 07/07/2008 13:15

Hi everyone.

No I haven't been to the GP as yet Been busy which I know is no excuse....

But when I posted this and said I had no symptoms I have forgotten the stomach cramps and associated vileness that I got every morning. Not good having to find a public toilet when you're out running . It has been happening for a while but I got so used to it I forgot . Then about 10 days ago it got worse and worse and was almost continuous. Remembering I have had trouble with wheat before (mainly when first coming back to it after a lc diet) I decided to cut it out for a while to see if it helped. I've been wheat-free since Sat morning and the relief is amazing. So....I am now wondering that if the bowel probs are caused by wheat-intolerance, perhaps the weight loss could be too ? And the ongoing tiredness.

But yes I will get to a GP to find out.

Thanks for all your support and advice btw. It is much appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
OrmIrian · 07/07/2008 13:18

And I finally got round to weighing myself on Saturday (in Boots in public ) and I am 10s 10 fully clothed. Which is quite reassuring as it's not that low BMI of 21. About as low as I got when dieting strictly but not really exercising.

OP posts:
bethoo · 07/07/2008 13:20

overactive thyroid and also diabetes (there are 2 types) with the diabetes comes thirst and excessive urination.

Original poster
OrmIrian · 07/07/2008 19:30

No excessive thirst or urination thankfully bethoo.

OP posts:
dinny · 07/07/2008 19:39

have you definitely been eating what you usually would?

also, how tall are you and what did you use to weigh?

hope you're feeling OK xx

Original poster
OrmIrian · 07/07/2008 19:42

Yes I think so dinny. Perhaps a little less. And not eating unless I'm hungry which is a good thing I think.

I'm 5'11"

OP posts:
googgly · 07/07/2008 19:56

My friend had an overactive thyroid and she couldn't sleep, had to get up in the night to make sandwiches, and finally went to the doc when her dh said he couldn't sleep because he could HEAR her heart beating from the other side of the bed. Quite dramatic.

I'm skinny (5ft 10 and 8 1/2 stone) and went to the doctor. She said to stop fussing and enjoy it cos I'd put on weight one day. Secretly I worry that I might have some undiagnosed cancer though.