Men can lose weight unexpectedly for a variety of reasons. However, when that weight loss is sudden or dramatic, it can be a cause for concern. If you have recently experienced sudden weight loss, see a physician immediately to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In the meantime, you can learn about the causes of this weight loss and what you can do to stop it.
Dietary Changes
If your diet has changed recently, that may be a reason for sudden weight loss. For instance, cutting out all junk food from your life could cause a sudden drop in pounds. Another cause could be if you've found yourself eating less due to stress or a busy lifestyle, says MayoClinic.com. Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet might also be a cause if doing so has resulted in a drop in caloric intake. A consultation with a dietitian may be necessary to review the foods you eat and to develop healthy eating habits.
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Exercise
A dramatic increase in your exercise regimen might result in sudden weight loss. For instance, if you used to be rather sedentary and now go for a run each evening, the additional calories burned might cause you to shed pounds rapidly. Cutting back on the amount you exercise or increasing the amount of calories you consume might help put a stop to the weight loss and help you maintain a healthy weight, says MayoClinic.com.
Aging
As you get older, your sense of smell and taste might change, says MayoClinic.com Likewise, medications for heart disease and other conditions can cause nausea or make foods unpalatable. You might also experience a general loss in appetite. To ensure you get enough calories, eat nutrient-rich foods and make it a habit to eat the foods you really love on days when you're feeling your best, suggests the National Cancer Institute, so as not to associate something you find delicious with the unfortunate side effects of medication.
Digestive Disorders
Dealing with a digestive disorder might also contribute to sudden weight loss in men. For instance, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's or colitis or other conditions such as celiac disease or ulcers can make it difficult to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, leading to significant and sudden weight loss. Nausea or digestive upset can reduce your appetite and decrease the amount of calories you consume. If eating isn't a problem, then malabsorption of nutrients may be to blame, says MayoClinic.com, meaning you don't get the nutrition you need, even if you eat healthily.
Disease and Illnesses
Sudden weight loss in men may be the result of illness or disease. The most obvious is cancer, which, according to the National Cancer Institute, leads to weight loss because of a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea from chemotherapy and emotional stress. Supplementation and a very bland diet can usually help you to get nutrients despite the side effects and complications of the disease.