What level of weight loss is concerning?
Your body weight can regularly fluctuate. But the persistent, unintentional loss of more than 5 per cent of your weight over 6 to 12 months is usually a cause for concern. Losing this much weight can be a sign of malnutrition. This is when a person's diet doesn't contain the right amount of nutrients.
When should rapid weight loss be a concern?
But many health care providers agree that a medical evaluation is called for if you lose more than 5% of your weight in 6 to 12 months, especially if you're an older adult. For example, a 5% weight loss in someone who is 160 pounds (72 kilograms) is 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).
Should I talk to my doctor if I want to lose weight?
If you're struggling to manage your weight, a primary care appointment may be just what you need. Getting an expert's evaluation and recommendations can help make sure that the changes you're making are both effective and sustainable. Plus, your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist if necessary.