View Full Version : weight loss and health anxiety
Hi Newbie here. Has anyone else lost allot of weight due to anxiety?. I have lost alot of weight im thinking its because im so anxious all the time ive lost my appetite and have no interest in food anymore. I try to eat but its not much. I did the silly thing and goodled unintentional weight loss and cancer,cancer, cancer came up. I have seen my doctor but not for this and had a FBC done which came back normal. If I had some kind of cancer would it show up in a blood test. My HA is through the roof over this. Please help
yes yes and yes! The crazy thing was, a year ago I set out to lose weight and I ate basically vegetables and not much else. I lost weight but not what I'd expected to lose at first. Then I had gotten an abnormal pap AND FREAKED OUT! Next thing I couldn't eat or relax and I lost the rest of my weight within a couple of weeks!!!! (turns out I am fine btw) I was convinced that I had cancer. I am always convinced I have some kind of life threatening disease and now I eat whatever I want and don't gain weight (which people would say is good) but I KNOW this is all anxiety. any twinge, or ailment sends me in a tailspin. Some people gain weight from anxiety because they eat for comfort. but others are too rattled to even think about food, especially when they might have digestive issues which is really common with anxiety too. I hope you feel better. If you can afford therapy, I find it is the best option. It may take a while finding the right therapist, but it has been a lifesaver for me.
I had the same experience. I lost quite a bit of weight due to anxiety and scared myself silly.
One thing I did was to count daily calories intake to check if I'm really losing the weight unintentionally or if I'm just not taking in enough calories.
I monitored my weight every morning, and noticed that it went back to normal levels after some time. I stopped calories counting after that.
Thankyou for your replies. I know deep down im not eating enough but I have no appetite for food. And being at the doctors with a normal fbc has scared me more as I know cancer is a main factor of unintentional weight loss.
anxietysucks5678
24-10-14, 18:22
I'm the same as you, I haven't actually weighed myself to see of I have lost weight but I feel as if I'm getting skinnier and I'm already very thin naturally so now I'm panicking the same as you
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 19:02
I lost over two stone that I didn't know I had to lose... It's all back on now though! Lol
Anxiety uses A LOT of energy. Your nervous system is constantly active and alert, and that uses a lot more energy than people might think. Coupled with no appetite and it's not really a surprise that you've lost a lot of weight. You could try something light that doesn't really seem like food, perhaps protein shakes or smoothies, to try and make up for the energy you aren't consuming through food. I've known people to lose over 10kg for no reason other than stress/anxiety.
I have lost the weight and now the doc says 56.5kg is a good weight for me im 47 and 61cm. But Ive never been under 65kg so it scares me. Im constantly nauseaus all day every day, I dont leave my room its affecting my partner and son. All I want is answers I dont feel right but fbc came back normal could it be cancer?
Frankie123
25-10-14, 03:01
I have lost 8lbs overnight when my anxiety has been at its worse and, like you, I thought it must be cancer. However, of course, it wasn't. My GP told me that this is quite common with anxiety so now I don't worry so much when I have a sudden weight loss. As you say you are not eating as much which again is common in people with anxiety. You could try buying some energy drinks which might help when you cannot eat.
If your tests came back clear and your doctor isn't worried, then it is super unlikely to be cancer. You need to trust your doctor. Have you told the doctor that you think it is cancer and discussed what they think? It might help ease your anxiety to have a more in-depth discussion with your doctor. I think you said you currently weight 56.5kg - what is your height? Your last post confused me a bit in regard to your height :)
Yes I asked her if she thought it was cancer and she said no. But that was all she said and that if i kept loosing weight then she would look into it further. Im not loosing anymore but im not gaining any either. im 161 cm. Sorry for the typo. I was only every this weight in my teens and with dropping it within a matter of say 3 months its scared me.
Also waking up everyday nausea's and the horrible feeling I have a fatal desiese that im going to die from. Its a very real feeling thats making me not want to go anywhere or do anything. The weight loss makes this worse and its ruining my day to day life. Why do I sit here thinking im going to die if FBC was normal???
You lose weight because of the adrenalin. It could be the equivalent of running a ten mile run!?! I find I have to keep snacking between meals to keep the little weight I have on. Exercise can also be good for weight gain, so I believe. :shrug:
Me again I weighed myself before I went to bed and I was 57.1 I weighed myself this morning and im now 56.6 cant seem to be able to put this weight on. Its scaring me to the point im a smoker and think lung cancer or other cancer. I don't go out, I don't do my housework, I sit in bed everyday googling its silly I know. Scared im going to docs on Wednesday and will discuss it with her but worried what the outcome will be. Would lung cancer or cancer show in a fbc because im scared. Unintentional weightloss is a symptom of cancer and im so certain I have it. and just now an hour later im 56.3 scared
Frankie123
27-10-14, 09:42
Julia I was the same as you. I would constantly weigh myself perhaps every hour or more often. First thing in the morning I always weighed less and the more I worried the more I lost weight. To reassure me my doctor did full blood tests and chest x-ray and all came back fine. She explained that anxiety can cause lots of weight loss even if one is eating. After a few months I began to realise no further symptoms had emerged so I began to relax and slowly but slowly the weight started to increase. Discuss fully with your doctor, explain your worries and with their help I am sure you will start to feel better.
Haven't scanned through all of this thread, but here's my two cents.
I'm a bodybuilder, not at competitive level, but dedicate the majority of my time to the 'sport' (if you can call such a narcissistic, neurotic pursuit that!).
If I get the slightest bit anxious, about the slightest thing, it all goes to pot. Earlier this year I lost over 8 pounds due to anxiety, not being able to eat or work out. It sucks and ruins my progress and self-image.
That's the problem with anxiety, it's not only psychological. It's psychosomatic, and affects every perceivable aspect of our physiology.
As for other daily weight fluctuations, we can put on or lose up to 10lbs in a single day. This isn't tissue, but other things like glycogen, water retention, fecal matter etc. Really don't give it any thought unless you notice something presistent over the period of weeks/months, with no dietary or lifestyle alterations.
Thanks. I know its probably all in my head and yes im weighing myself after every meal. The weight loss started about 12 months ago and I only really got worried about it 3 months ago. The doctor did say to me if i kept loosing weight she would look into it further but as far as shes concerned im at a healthy weight. Probably dont feel healthy because ive never been this weight before. Im fluctuating anywhere between 56.1 to 57.5 each day so I guess im not loosing. Other than the weight, im feeling incredibly not like myself, very teary, and moody snapping at everyone. My periods are normal. I had a Mammogram and Ultrasound that's all clear as my mum has just been given the good news shes now cancer free. I think as im aging (46) and a passive smoker im scared. I have no cough, no breathlessness and hardly any wheezing it just frightens me but still i go outside and smoke. STUPID ME
Thanks. I know its probably all in my head and yes im weighing myself after every meal. The weight loss started about 12 months ago and I only really got worried about it 3 months ago. The doctor did say to me if i kept loosing weight she would look into it further but as far as shes concerned im at a healthy weight. Probably dont feel healthy because ive never been this weight before. Im fluctuating anywhere between 56.1 to 57.5 each day so I guess im not loosing. Other than the weight, im feeling incredibly not like myself, very teary, and moody snapping at everyone. My periods are normal. I had a Mammogram and Ultrasound that's all clear as my mum has just been given the good news shes now cancer free. I think as im aging (46) and a passive smoker im scared. I have no cough, no breathlessness and hardly any wheezing it just frightens me but still i go outside and smoke. STUPID ME
Yeah completely normal. I measure myself in pounds and can be anywhere between 162-170lbs. Fluctuates depending on the time of day, my salt intake (water retention) etc.
If you want to properly monitor it, check once a month as soon as you get up in the morning. Keep a record of it if you like. If there is anything dramatic (we're talking multiple KG's falling off without any effort or explanation), then ask for some check ups. Anything remotely tangible will be picked up by those around you.
Your eyes will lie, theirs won't.
Havent been on the scales today, trying really hard not to. I still feel really ill and not myself hopefully Doctor can put things right tomorrow when I see her. You say Multiple KG's falling off well Ive gone done from 78kg in a matter of a few months, had a few stresses in that time but I wouldnt say it was anything to have a major drop in weight like that. Thats my worry. I was on Trofranil and Rivotril over 12 months ago and thought I was fine and came off them. I know I did put on weight while I was on them but to have a dramatic weight chance like I have is still scaring the life out of me. And to not be feeling happy and my normal self is also very scary.
Hi all, Just got back from the doctors and she has put me on Avanza 30mg and also referred me to a physiologist She said ive lost 3kg since i last saw her and is sending me for TSH<FBC<ESR<CRP<EUCCa 19-9, CEA, Ca 125 B12 and Folate. Know im scared something will show up in these tests..
Had a good day yesterday, got out of the house had 3 good meal. went and had my blood tests done and all in all had a great day. Ive woken up this morning weighed myself and not put any weight on :( Sitting here stressing over the test results which I wont get back until Monday. Could this be health anxiety as its me whos diagnosed myself with it or do you think it could be cancer making me this way? Im so frightened some of the results will come back bad. And how long after eating 3 meal a a day and munching should I see a weight gain if this isnt cancer.
Doctor has just this minute rang me and said my lab results for iron and ferriton are the best shes seen them in a long time :). The tumor markers are all perfectly normal. She also said if it was cancer something would show up other than the weight loss so im a little happier. Just wanted say ive been having a few werid sensations where my left breast sits that only last for a few seconds but they have been comming and going all day so now the cancer scare has gone im now worrying and googleing this. Is it a sign of pending heart attack as im 46 yr old smoker or something else. as i said only lasts a few seconds but can have this sensation 6 times a day. Any Thoughts?
cricket0148
31-10-14, 15:25
I am living this right now. I stressed for weeks over this bump on my inner cheek which is finally starting to get better... BUT during that time, i have been losing weight. Dr. Google says weight loss is a sign of cancer, but my stomach has been nauseous due to stress ya know. I need the weight back on. I didnt drop that much... went from 116 to 112 but still thats huge for me. Ive always been thin and a picky eater but love my sliced carrots and chopped broccoli. I have also been living on Boost supplements. i love those things. Can anyone help?
Doctor has just this minute rang me and said my lab results for iron and ferriton are the best shes seen them in a long time :). The tumor markers are all perfectly normal. She also said if it was cancer something would show up other than the weight loss so im a little happier. Just wanted say ive been having a few werid sensations where my left breast sits that only last for a few seconds but they have been comming and going all day so now the cancer scare has gone im now worrying and googleing this. Is it a sign of pending heart attack as im 46 yr old smoker or something else. as i said only lasts a few seconds but can have this sensation 6 times a day. Any Thoughts?
Not heart symptoms as far as I know and I have heart disease but, please stop smoking if you want that to remain that way.
Positive thoughts
Ok so day 3 on Mirtazapine and ive woken up shakey and a little light headed dont like feeling this way do you think this might be a side effect of it kicking in. Last two days ive been ok.
here i go again day 4 on mirt don't feel well. The Cancer thing has come back and im scared again. If ive had tumor marker tests, a CBC and the doc has examined me, what are my chances of having this disease its ruining my days because its all i think about i feel unwell, not with it, spacey just so not myself its awful am im really really frightened im going to die of cancer. I dont have anyone to talk to my partner has a brain injury and is in a wheel chair my teenage daughter just thinks im stupid and my 12year old son says your always like this mum stop it, I cant stop it i feel like im dying its really real.
So today I went to the Doctor for a referral to see a Psychologist. I've read the referral and worked myself up into a right tizzy. The Doctor has written that she "Believes" my weight loss is from Anxiety and says "at this stage shes not concerned" Says my bloods are perfectly normal, examination unremarkable, and that she "has not ruled out imaging to further investigate the weight loss" is necessary. So ive convinced myself I have cancer and its eating me away (weight loss) and im back to where I was 3 weeks ago. So So So scared she couldnt tell me Im not dying from something. What do I do?? anyone Today ihas a bad day and I just want to feel normal again. Any Advice would be appreciated as im sitting on my bed waiting for something bad to happen. Really scared if i have to go for screening as im a heavy smoker and worried if they might find something.
"Feeling Horrible":weep: Im really worried about all this
AllIsWellNow
07-11-14, 09:36
Dear Julia22,
Here is an excerpt from “Are Cell Phones and Wi-Fi Hazardous to Your Health?“
“The bottom line is that electropollution — from cell towers, computers, cordless and mobile phones, PDAs, Wi-Fi, even the electrical appliances and wiring in our homes, offices and public buildings — continuously disturbs the sympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, elevates the body’s fight-and-flight response, raising levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Fluctuations in cortisol lead to a wide range of health concerns ranging from belly fat and thinning skin to accelerated aging, blood sugar imbalance, cardiovascular problems, erratic sleep patterns and mood disturbances. ( www.huffingtonpost.com/hyla-cass-md/cell-phone-and-wifi-dange_b_758167.html )
So, if you'd like to try the following...
1. Do not sleep with your cell phone in your bedroom. Turn it OFF at night
2. Turn OFF all wireless devices ... wireless routers, phones, laptop switch.
3. See if you can have a wireless free day... or week. The longer the better.
4. I used to have this endless analysis going on in my brain. It was exhausting, anxiety inducing and Did Not Help me solve anything. The awful thing is anxiety can end up becoming an automatic response. And if you don't undo this programing pretty much anything can trigger an anxiety attack. And reasoning through stuff really doesn't help when you're trying to deal with "analysis-paralysis" to begin with. I highly recommend using the "Mental Clarity (http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/sacred-healing-salves/)" salve and the "Enlightened Equanimity (http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/sacred-healing-salves/)" salve along with the "Breathing (http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/sacred-healing-salves/)" salve. I use these while listening to the Serenades of Love.
(http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/serenades-of-love/)5. Urge you to stop reading up about diseases on the internet. You do not need any more anxiety triggers taking up space in your brain. Remember you're trying to UNDO the anxiety programing. You do not want to give your brain more material it can use to sit down and have a pointless discussion with you.
6. It's a good idea to feed you brain with healthy material. Something that is uplifting and filled with Love. Put yourself on an "information detox". Read Enid Blyton's fairy tale books for children.. like the Magic Faraway Tree series. Or listen to Creating Sacred Healing Waters, The Wisdom and the Techniques (http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/creating-sacred-healing-waters/) and Love is the Answer to Everything (http://store.loveenergytechniques.org/love-is-the-answer-to-everything/)
7. Allow positive memories to take up more room in your brain. Make it a point get some volunteer work done everyday.
Since you asked for some input... thought I'd give it a go.
Best.
Any Advice would be appreciated as im sitting on my bed waiting for something bad to happen. Really scared if i have to go for screening as im a heavy smoker and worried if they might find something.
So ...Any Advice would be appreciated as im sitting on my bed waiting for something bad to happen. Really scared if i have to go for screening as im a heavy smoker and worried if they might find something.
Your tests all sound good, Julia. It sounds like your doctor has thought about potential causes for your weight loss and that the anxiety really is the most likely cause. Seeing a psychologist is a great step to take to help reduce your anxiety and understand how to manage it a bit better. Psychologists are also specialists in mental health (trained to know the ins and the outs and the little nitty gritty bits of it), which means they will be able to give you some more information about how anxiety can cause weight loss and why.
---------- Post added at 16:59 ---------- Previous post was at 16:55 ----------
Stop waiting for something bad to happen, the bad thing is already happening! You are already suffering from anxiety and feeling downright miserable and scared - that's bad. Try and think of it in a different light. You are sitting and waiting for something good to happen. You are waiting to see the psychologist to help get your anxiety under control. You are waiting to feel better so you don't have to keep worrying about having cancer.
Thanks. One of my big problems is my partner is confined to a wheelchair with a brain injury which he sustained in an MVA back in 2002, my kids are never here, I have no friends and my parents say they have there own stresses so I dont like to bother them. I did get out and do a little today but keep comming back to my room as im scared ill pass out with this fear of going to hospital and end up waking up with tubes and things down my throat. Im worried "if" something happens my partner wont be able to do anything for me. Im feeling every ache, pain and sensation and its really horrible its so so real. Im a smoker so the fear of heart attack and stroke and heart desiese is with me. Im trying to quit but find when im anxious I like a quick smoke. Its all so scarey had this a few years ago not quite so bad thought it had gone now its all back and im really frightened. I know cancer and heart attacks can strike anyone healthy or not but im really scared its going to be me....How selfish is that
It's not selfish, it's anxiety. It isn't like you are choosing to feel this fear and anxiety all of the time - if you could choose not to worry about cancer and heart attacks I'm sure you would rather be anxiety free :) Anxiety is a tough gig, and unfortunately is doesn't go away overnight. But you have some good supports in place now - your doctor knows about your anxiety and is willing to support you, and you have a referral for a psychologist who will be an immense support for you. I understand that it must be very difficult for you without friends and family around to support you. Have you considered looking into joining a support group? There are several organisations in Australia that run support groups for people with anxiety and depression (many are free) and it is essentially just a group of people who have anxiety and depression who get together to talk about everything and support eachother. It might be a really good way for you to may some more local supports and perhaps even some new friends :)
---------- Post added at 10:38 ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 ----------
If you could let me know of the state or general area that you live in I could direct you to some useful support groups that you might like to read about?
I'm Actually in NSW Australia. The last two days have been really ive been outside doing stuff so my minds not constantly giving me horrid thoughts. The physiologist rang today to confirm my appointment tomorrow which im really looking forward to being able to open up and get stuff off my chest. Im not constantly weighing myself anymore and my appetite seems to be getting alot better so all in all things seem to be going OK. "Touch wood they keep improving" xx
That's great news to hear :) Really pleased to hear that you've managed to stop weighing yourself as much and that you're able to eat a bit more. Sounds like this has been a really good move for you. I hope it continues :)
---------- Post added at 14:13 ---------- Previous post was at 13:04 ----------
http://www.angelfire.com/co/serenitynsw/groups.html
http://www.grow.org.au/nsw/
http://www.carersnsw.org.au/how-we-help/support/csg/
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/programs/anxiety-support-groups
Now I'm not entirely sure if anxiety is the cause (i'm really hoping it is) but I've lost like 7 pounds over the past 3 weeks after feeling like I've had something lodged in the left side of my throat for a little while. It'll feel better some days then go right back to how it was. I was told by a doctor that it was probably a viral infection due to me also having a fever and clogged nose/sneezing but the weight loss is really freaking me out. I've been having rather serious panic attacks pretty much every day since this started. What do you guys think?
hi I've had weight loss/fluctuation since January and im scared its cancer I haven't lost that much weight but the idea of weight loss still scares me and ive been having random pains all over my body, im scared its bone pain & im scared I have leukemia or lymphoma but then I know weight loss is also an anxiety symptom & my parents aren't very worried but I don't know what to do. my friend has anxiety and she's not worried either, but I have very bad health anxiety. I also notice no matter how much junk I eat, it's hard for me to gain the weight I guess. is it something serious or just anxiety ? im only 16
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