When is unexplained weight loss it a Red Flag?

Losing weight when you are actively trying to through diet, exercise, or metabolic medication is a great achievement. However, unexplained weight loss -- dropping more than 5% of your body weight over 6 to 12 months without changing your diet or activity levels -- is a significant medical red flag that requires urgent investigation.

The digestive system is the engine that fuels your body. If you are eating normally but losing weight, it usually means the engine is failing to absorb nutrients, or your body is burning excessive energy fighting an underlying disease. Common causes include malabsorption issues (Coeliac disease, Crohn's disease), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), gastrointestinal malignancy, and severe motility disorders.