Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FISCP, DMAS
- 8 Yrs
- ASCRS Member
Unexplained weight loss: when to take it seriously
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Lavanya Pothula, MS, DNBConsultant GI Surgeon
Last reviewed · 5 min read
Losing more than five per cent of your body weight over six to twelve months without trying is worth investigating, whatever your starting weight.
Dr. Lavanya Pothula
Consultant GI Surgeon
MBBS, MS, DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
9 Yrs
Book AppointmentView Profile →Why it matters
Unintended weight loss is a general signal rather than a specific one. Digestive conditions, thyroid disease, diabetes, infection and cancer can all present this way, which is why it is investigated rather than watched.
Important
Weight loss with difficulty swallowing, bleeding or persistent abdominal pain should be assessed without delay.
Speak to the bariatric & GI surgery team
Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.
When should I see a doctor about weight loss?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.
Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?
A short consultation with a Lux bariatric & GI surgery specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.
Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted
Sources & references
Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027
This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.
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