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Last updated: October 28, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Weight Loss

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Depression: Often presents with sudden weight loss due to decreased appetite and interest in food. It's a common condition that can have significant physical manifestations, including weight loss.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Diabetes Mellitus: Especially type 1 diabetes, can cause sudden weight loss due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy, leading to the breakdown of fat for fuel.
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism, leading to weight loss despite increased appetite.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis can lead to malabsorption and weight loss.
  • Chronic Infections: Such as tuberculosis (TB), can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic demand and decreased appetite.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cancer: Various types of cancer, especially pancreatic, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers, can cause unexplained weight loss. Missing a diagnosis of cancer can be fatal.
  • AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome can lead to weight loss due to chronic infection, malabsorption, and increased metabolic rate.
  • Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A serious infection that can cause significant weight loss if not treated promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Addison's Disease: A rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to weight loss among other symptoms.
  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause weight loss due to increased metabolism.
  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption and weight loss.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurological disease that can lead to weight loss due to difficulty swallowing and malnutrition.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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