Differential Diagnosis for Weight Decrease
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Malnutrition: This is often the most straightforward reason for weight loss, especially if the decrease in weight is significant and occurs over a short period. It can be due to inadequate dietary intake or an increased demand for nutrients that the body cannot meet.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to weight loss due to the body's inability to use glucose as an energy source, leading to the breakdown of fat for energy.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism, leading to weight loss despite increased appetite.
- Chronic Infections (e.g., Tuberculosis): Chronic infections can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic rate, decreased appetite, and malabsorption.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, especially those affecting the digestive system, can lead to weight loss due to decreased appetite, malabsorption, and increased metabolic demand.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- HIV/AIDS: Weight loss is a common symptom, especially in the later stages of the disease, due to malabsorption, chronic infections, and increased metabolic rate.
- Addison's Disease: This rare endocrine disorder can cause weight loss, among other symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure, due to the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol and aldosterone.
- Pernicious Anemia: Although more commonly associated with neurological symptoms, severe cases can lead to significant weight loss due to malabsorption of vitamin B12.
- Rare diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to malabsorption and potential weight loss if not managed properly.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, leading to malabsorption and weight loss.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, which can lead to weight loss among other systemic symptoms.