Weight Loss: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Weight loss

Hello Doctor, I measured my weight on May 13 and it was 79.5 kg, but on June 23, it dropped to 74.5 kg, a loss of 5 kg.
I often feel weakness in my left calf and a tight sensation after running.
I am unsure if these two issues are related.
My diet has been normal.
What could be the possible reasons? Which specialty should I consult? Please advise.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/26

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine

● If you are eating and drinking normally but still experiencing weight loss, it is often indicative of issues such as high blood sugar or endocrine problems like hyperthyroidism.
● Similar personal responses can be referenced in #117383: "The most common causes of weight loss may still be gastrointestinal issues, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, or malabsorption due to insufficient pancreatic digestive enzyme secretion; next are endocrine problems (such as hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, etc.), followed by issues related to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, chronic infections, or inflammation, which can also lead to weight loss.
Emotional factors or stress can also affect weight." ● If you frequently experience weakness or tightness in your left calf, it is advisable to test for electrolyte imbalances and conduct blood biochemical tests for abnormalities, or consider factors such as overexertion or fatigue.
● It is recommended to consult with a family medicine or endocrinology specialist for further evaluation and testing.
Wishing you health, Dr.
Chen Tai-Cheng from Taoyuan Hospital cares about you~

Reply Date: 2017/06/26

More Info

Understanding weight loss can be a complex issue, especially when it involves unexpected changes in body weight and accompanying physical symptoms. In your case, you experienced a significant weight loss of 5 kilograms over a little more than a month, which is quite notable. However, the accompanying symptoms of weakness in your left calf and tightness after running raise some important considerations.

Firstly, weight loss can occur due to various reasons, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, stress, illness, or metabolic changes. Since you mentioned that your diet remains normal, it’s essential to consider other factors that might contribute to this weight loss. For instance, if you have increased your physical activity significantly, your body may be burning more calories than before, leading to weight loss. However, if this increase in activity is causing physical discomfort, such as tightness in your calf, it could indicate that your body is not recovering adequately from the exercise, or you may be overexerting yourself.

The symptoms you described—weakness in the calf and tightness after running—could be related to several factors. It’s possible that you are experiencing muscle fatigue due to overtraining or inadequate recovery time between workouts. Additionally, if you have altered your exercise routine or increased the intensity, your muscles may not be accustomed to the new demands, leading to discomfort. It’s also worth considering hydration and electrolyte balance, as dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and weakness.

Another potential cause of your symptoms could be related to circulation issues or nerve compression, especially if the weakness is localized to one leg. Conditions such as sciatica or peripheral artery disease can cause similar symptoms, and they may require medical evaluation.

Given the combination of significant weight loss and physical symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider who specializes in internal medicine or sports medicine. These specialists can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly blood tests, to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms and weight loss.

In summary, while weight loss can be a positive outcome of healthy lifestyle changes, sudden or unexplained weight loss accompanied by physical symptoms warrants further investigation. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance to ensure that your weight loss journey is safe and effective. Remember, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and allowing adequate recovery time between workouts are crucial components of a healthy weight loss strategy.

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