Symptom guide · General Practice & Family Medicine
Unintentional Weight Loss
What unintentional weight loss can point to, how urgent it is, and who assesses it in the UAE.
Also known as unexplained weight loss
This needs a prompt medical assessment
Unintentional weight loss has many causes and most of them are not cancer — but it is on the list of features that doctors investigate quickly rather than watch. Getting it checked early is what makes the difference.
Go now if any of these apply
- A new lump, or a lump that is growing, hard, or fixed in place
- A symptom that has persisted for more than three weeks without improving
- Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fatigue
- Bleeding that is unexplained — in stool, urine, when coughing, or after the menopause
- A mole or skin lesion that is changing in size, shape, colour, or is bleeding
Book a doctor's appointment within the next few days and say how long the symptom has lasted. Ask specifically whether an urgent referral or a scan is warranted.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Also known as
- unexplained weight loss
- Body region
- General
- Care area
- General Practice & Family Medicine
- Conditions linked
- 9
Possible causes
Conditions that can cause unintentional weight loss
Listed alphabetically. This list is not ranked by likelihood.
- Coeliac DiseaseCommon among people with coeliac disease. Long-term condition.
- Crohn's DiseaseCommon among people with crohn's disease. Long-term condition.
- DepressionCommon among people with depression. Long-term condition.
- HIV InfectionCommon among people with HIV infection. Long-term condition.
- HyperthyroidismVery common among people with hyperthyroidism. Long-term condition.
- TuberculosisVery common among people with tuberculosis.
- Type 1 DiabetesVery common among people with type 1 diabetes. Long-term condition.
- Type 2 DiabetesCommon among people with type 2 diabetes. Long-term condition.
- Ulcerative ColitisCommon among people with ulcerative colitis. Long-term condition.
These figures describe how often each condition causes this symptom — not how likely it is that this symptom is caused by that condition. Most symptoms have a common, harmless explanation.
Treatment by cause
How the causes of unintentional weight loss are treated
Treatment follows the diagnosis, not the symptom. Each row is a linked condition and a treatment used for it.
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General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
Where unintentional weight loss is assessed depends on what is causing it. These are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Related symptoms
Other general symptoms
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Who assesses this in the UAE
These are the specialties that treat the conditions linked to this symptom. Every listed doctor holds a UAE licence.
Questions people ask
Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of type 1 diabetes?
Yes. Unintentional weight loss: very common among people with type 1 diabetes. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Unintentional weight loss: common among people with type 2 diabetes. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of hyperthyroidism?
Yes. Unintentional weight loss: very common among people with hyperthyroidism. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of tuberculosis?
Yes. Unintentional weight loss: very common among people with tuberculosis. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Keep reading
More about unintentional weight loss
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of type 1 diabetes?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of type 2 diabetes?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of hyperthyroidism?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of tuberculosis?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of coeliac disease?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of depression?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of crohn's disease?
- Can unintentional weight loss be a sign of ulcerative colitis?
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.