Recent Weight Loss
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Lost weight recently
Losing too much weight
Became slender
About the Symptom
It refers to a recent noticeable drop in body weight that occurs.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Recent weight loss
Possible Causes
Generally, Recent weight loss can be related to:
- Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancers most commonly arise in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. Risk factors include heavy alcohol use resulting in chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, and a family history of pancreatic cancer as well as some inherited syndromes. There are usually no symptoms when the tumor is small but later symptoms include yellowing of the skin (jaundice), mid-back pain, abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss and fatigue.
- Watery Diarrhea, Hypokalemia, and Achlorhydria (WDHA) Syndrome
WDHA syndrome, which stands for watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria, is a rare condition caused by an excess of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) secreted by certain tumors. VIP is both a neuromodulator and a neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels, regulates smooth muscle activity, cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, or motor neuron disease, this progressive, degenerative condition affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It results in loss of muscle control, eventually leading to difficulty eating, breathing, and speaking. The exact cause remains unknown and may be due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Anorexia Nervosa / Bulimia Nervosa
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Liver Cancer
- Polymyositis / Dermatomyositis
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Hyperthyroidism
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Recent weight loss may be related to these serious diseases:
- Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the body's blood cell-forming tissues. Blood cells circulate in our bloodstream and are created and matured in the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Leukemia involves white blood cells and lymphatic cells and has several types. The cancerous cells are produced in excess and do not function normally. Leukemias can be aggressive and cause symptoms or chronic and smolder for years.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you experienced any recent weight loss?
- "When did you first notice your recent weight loss?"
- How is your recent weight loss now?
- Have you experienced unintentional weight loss of more than 5% or 4.4lbs/2kg within one month?
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jul 16, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Are patients worried about muscle loss from GLP-1 agonists?
A.
Some patients are concerned about muscle loss when using GLP-1 agonists, but studies show mixed results on this issue.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Memel Z, Gold SL, Pearlman M, Muratore A, & Martindale R. (2025). Impact of GLP- 1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Patients .... Current nutrition reports, 40289060.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40289060/
Linge J, Birkenfeld AL, & Neeland IJ. (2024). Muscle Mass and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor .... Circulation, 39401279.
Q.
Are seniors more prone to muscle loss on GLP-1s?
A.
Seniors taking GLP-1 medications may be more likely to experience muscle loss, especially with drugs like semaglutide.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Linge J, Birkenfeld AL, & Neeland IJ. (2024). Muscle Mass and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor .... Circulation, 39401279.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39401279/
Ren Q, Zhi L, & Liu H. (2025). Semaglutide Therapy and Accelerated Sarcopenia in Older .... Drug design, development and therapy, 40631351.
Q.
Can GLP-1 drugs affect physical function due to muscle loss?
A.
GLP-1 drugs can lead to muscle loss, which may affect physical function, but there are strategies to minimize this risk.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39295512/
Abbatecola AM, Olivieri F, Corsonello A, Strollo F, Fumagalli A, & Lattanzio F. (2012). Frailty and safety: the example of diabetes. Drug safety, 23446787.
Q.
How can diet prevent muscle loss on GLP-1s?
A.
Eating more protein can help keep muscles strong while using GLP-1 medications.
References:
Moon J, & Koh G. (2020). Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet .... Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 32699189.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32699189/
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
Q.
How does enobosarm compare to placebo for lean mass preservation?
A.
Enobosarm has been shown to help preserve lean body mass better than a placebo in clinical trials.
References:
Dobs AS, Boccia RV, Croot CC, Gabrail NY, Dalton JT, Hancock ML, et al. (2013). a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 2 trial. The Lancet. Oncology, 23499390.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23499390/
Crawford J, Prado CM, Johnston MA, Gralla RJ, Taylor RP, Hancock ML, & Dalton JT. (2016). Study Design and Rationale for the Phase 3 Clinical .... Current oncology reports, 27138015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27138015/
Neil D, Clark RV, Magee M, Billiard J, Chan A, Xue Z, & Russell A. (2018). GSK2881078, a SARM, Produces Dose-Dependent .... The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 29982690.
Q.
How does enobosarm work to preserve lean mass?
A.
Enobosarm helps keep muscles strong by acting like hormones that build muscle, without some of the bad side effects.
References:
Leciejewska N, Kołodziejski PA, Sassek M, Nogowski L, Małek E, & Pruszyńska-Oszmałek E. (2022). Ostarine-Induced Myogenic Differentiation in C2C12, L6, .... International journal of molecular sciences, 35457222.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35457222/
Taoussi O, Bambagiotti G, Gameli PS, Daziani G, Tavoletta F, Tini A, et al. (2024). In Vitro and In Vivo Human Metabolism of Ostarine, a .... International journal of molecular sciences, 39063049.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39063049/
Dutt V, Gupta S, Dabur R, Injeti E, & Mittal A. (2015). Skeletal muscle atrophy: Potential therapeutic agents and .... Pharmacological research, 26048279.
Q.
How prevalent is muscle loss among GLP-1 users?
A.
Muscle loss can occur in people using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, especially if they lose weight quickly without exercise.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, & Kontogiorgis C. (2024). A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 38629387.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38629387/
Grosicki GJ, Dhurandhar NV, Unick JL, Arent SM, Thomas JG, Lofton H, et al. (2024). The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity to Support .... Current developments in nutrition, 39624804.
Q.
Is muscle loss a known side effect of GLP-1 drugs?
A.
GLP-1 drugs can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, which is a side effect to consider.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Old VJ, Davies MJ, Papamargaritis D, Choudhary P, & Watson EL. (2025). The Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists .... Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 39815782.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39815782/
Linge J, Birkenfeld AL, & Neeland IJ. (2024). Muscle Mass and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor .... Circulation, 39401279.
Q.
Is there a way to mitigate muscle loss from GLP-1 medications?
A.
To reduce muscle loss from GLP-1 medications, it's important to focus on good nutrition and regular exercise. Eating enough protein and doing strength exercises can help keep muscles strong.
References:
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39295512/
Chavez AM, Carrasco Barria R, & León-Sanz M. (2025). Nutrition support whilst on glucagon-like peptide-1 based .... Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 40401903.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40401903/
Caturano A, Amaro A, Berra CC, & Conte C. (2025). Sarcopenic obesity and weight loss-induced muscle mass .... Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 40296814.
Q.
Should I ask my doctor about GLP-1 and muscle loss?
A.
Yes, you should talk to your doctor about GLP-1 medications and muscle loss, as some studies suggest they might affect muscles.
References:
Sforzo GA, Gordon NF, Peeke PM, & Moore M. (2024). Health and Well-Being Coaching Adjuvant to GLP-1 .... American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 11577329.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11577329/
Billings SA, Felix HM, Prier CC, & Hedges MS. (2023). Rhabdomyolysis Associated With Semaglutide Therapy. Cureus, 10773591.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10773591/
Ma XY, & Chen FQ. (2021). Effects of anti-diabetic drugs on sarcopenia: Best treatment .... World Journal of Clinical Cases, 8638038.
Q.
What are the signs of muscle weakness from GLP-1 drugs?
A.
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide can sometimes cause muscle weakness, which may be due to conditions like rhabdomyolysis. However, they may also help with certain muscle problems.
References:
Brand K, Landry D, Mulhern J, & Braden G. (2025). Semaglutide reverses the chronic myopathy of .... BMC nephrology, 40197299.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40197299/
Billings SA, Felix HM, Prier CC, & Hedges MS. (2023). Rhabdomyolysis Associated With Semaglutide Therapy. Cureus, 38192938.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38192938/
Ditzenberger GL, Lake JE, Kitch DW, Kantor A, Muthupillai R, Moser C, et al. (2025). Effects of Semaglutide on Muscle Structure and Function in .... Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 39046173.
Q.
What is the FDA status of enobosarm for obesity treatment?
A.
Enobosarm is not currently approved by the FDA for treating obesity.
References:
Crawford J, Prado CM, Johnston MA, Gralla RJ, Taylor RP, Hancock ML, & Dalton JT. (2016). Study Design and Rationale for the Phase 3 Clinical .... Current Oncology Reports, 4853438.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4853438/
Christiansen AR, Lipshultz LI, Hotaling JM, & Pastuszak AW. (2020). Selective androgen receptor modulators: the future of .... Translational Andrology and Urology, 7108998.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7108998/
Weinblatt D, & Roy S. (2022). Drug-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Enobosarm. Journal of Medical Cases, 9119364.
Q.
What is the role of protein in maintaining muscle on GLP-1s?
A.
Protein helps keep muscles strong when using GLP-1 medications by providing essential nutrients. Eating enough protein is important to prevent muscle loss.
References:
Chavez AM, Carrasco Barria R, & León-Sanz M. (2025). Nutrition support whilst on glucagon-like peptide-1 based .... Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 40401903.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40401903/
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39295512/
Cannavaro D, Leva F, Caturano A, Berra CC, Bonfrate L, & Conte C. (2025). Optimizing Body Composition During Weight Loss. Nutrients, 40573110.
Q.
What percentage of GLP-1 users experience muscle loss?
A.
Some people using GLP-1 medications may experience muscle loss, but the exact percentage is not clear.
References:
Neeland IJ, Linge J, & Birkenfeld AL. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1- .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 38937282.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937282/
Dubin RL, Heymsfield SB, Ravussin E, & Greenway FL. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist-based agents .... Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 39344838.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39344838/
Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, & Kontogiorgis C. (2024). A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 38629387.
Q.
What type of exercise helps with GLP-1 muscle wasting?
A.
To help with muscle loss from GLP-1 medications, doing resistance exercises like lifting weights can be beneficial.
References:
Locatelli JC, Costa JG, Haynes A, Naylor LH, Fegan PG, Yeap BB, & Green DJ. (2024). Incretin-Based Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy. Diabetes care, 38687506.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687506/
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39295512/
Grosicki GJ, Dhurandhar NV, Unick JL, Arent SM, Thomas JG, Lofton H, et al. (2024). The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity to Support .... Current developments in nutrition, 39624804.
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