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Warning-sign checks

Unintentional weight loss: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, vomiting blood, black or heavily bloody stools, fainting, new confusion, or difficulty staying awake.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange an appointment sooner if the loss is continuing, you are eating very little, or it is affecting your strength and daily activities.

    Seek same-day medical care if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, or have weight loss with marked thirst and frequent urination.

    These can be signs of dehydration or a problem with blood sugar.

    These symptoms need urgent assessment regardless of how much weight you have lost.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if you have lost more than 5% of your usual weight within 6 to 12 months without trying.

    You should also make an appointment if weight loss comes with a persistent change in bowel habits, trouble swallowing, ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, unusual bleeding, a new lump, fever, night sweats, persistent pain, or a cough that does not improve.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Unintentional weight loss. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.