"What Causes People to Lose Weight and What Are the Symptoms?"

Thinness and Its Causes

Thinness generally refers to a state where body weight falls below the normal lower limit. It can be caused by malnutrition, excessive exercise, drug side effects, among others. However, it can also manifest as a symptom of chronic conditions such as gastritis or hyperthyroidism. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly and undergo targeted treatment under the guidance of a physician.

1. Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs due to an imbalanced diet or inadequate intake, leading to a deficiency of essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. To maintain basic life activities, the body resorts to breaking down fat and muscle for energy. Over time, this leads to a reduction in body fat and muscle mass, causing weight loss and a thin appearance. Addressing malnutrition involves increasing the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Excessive Exercise

While moderate exercise is beneficial for health, excessive exercise consumes excessive calories. If calorie intake does not meet the body's demands, weight loss occurs. Reducing excessive exercise and maintaining moderate physical activity can prevent excessive calorie expenditure. Additionally, increasing calorie and nutrient intake can compensate for the losses caused by excessive exercise.

3. Drug Side Effects

Certain medications, such as antibiotics and antidepressants, can affect appetite and metabolism, potentially leading to weight loss over prolonged use. Patients should communicate with their doctors to consider adjusting medication dosages or switching medications.

4. Chronic Gastritis

Long-term irritation of the gastric mucosa can cause inflammation,充血, and水肿, impairing normal digestion. Symptoms like anorexia, postprandial fullness, and acid reflux may reduce food intake. Insufficient dietary intake over time deprives the body of essential nutrients, leading to weight loss and thinness. Treatment options include medications like Omeprazole Enteric-coated Tablets and Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablets, prescribed by a doctor. A bland diet and avoidance of spicy or irritating foods are also recommended.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Increased thyroid hormone secretion accelerates the body's metabolic rate, increasing calorie consumption. Patients may experience increased appetite and hunger but fail to absorb sufficient calories and nutrients due to the accelerated metabolism. Even with normal food intake, weight loss and thinness can occur. Medications like Propylthiouracil Tablets, Thiamazole Tablets, and Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets can be prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, hyperthyroidism can manifest as a symptom of other conditions like tuberculosis or diabetes. Pronounced or prolonged weight loss warrants prompt medical consultation for assessment and diagnosis.

Throughout the process of addressing thinness, it is crucial to closely monitor one's health status to ensure overall wellbeing.