Noticing your clothes feel looser without any changes to your diet or exercise? While some weight loss might feel like a welcome surprise, unexplained weight loss can be a red flag for underlying health issues.
If the pounds are coming off without trying, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your internist in Vienna, VA to figure out why.
Here’s When to Call Your Internist in Vienna, VA
1. Weight Loss Without Lifestyle Changes
If you haven’t altered your eating habits or activity level, but you’re still losing weight, it’s a sign something else is happening. Internal medicine doctors can help pinpoint possible causes ranging from thyroid problems to digestive disorders.
2. Accompanied by Other Symptoms
Unexplained weight loss paired with fatigue, fever, night sweats, or changes in bowel habits can point to infections, metabolic issues, or even certain cancers.
3. Gradual Yet Significant Drop
Losing more than 5% of your body weight over six to twelve months—without trying—should prompt a medical visit. Even gradual losses can have a bigger meaning if they happen unintentionally.
4. Risk of Nutritional Deficiency
Sudden weight loss can deplete essential nutrients, leading to weakness, poor immune function, and slower recovery from illnesses. An internist can order tests to assess your nutritional status and recommend corrective measures.
5. Preventing Future Health Problems
Identifying the cause early allows for targeted treatment, whether that’s managing a chronic condition, addressing hormonal imbalances, or treating an undiagnosed illness.
Ultimately, unexplained weight loss is not something to brush off. By contacting your internist in Vienna, VA, you can uncover the cause, address it promptly, and protect your overall health before complications arise.
Take the Next Step Toward Optimal Health – Call Anna Health Family Medicine Today!
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If so, please call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joan Gonzalez, MD or one of our highly skilled and experienced specialists.
