Weight loss means a reduction in the total body mass, which can happen due to various reasons like due to loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, tendon, muscle, and other connective tissue. The weight loss can happen in two ways namely “intentional weight loss” and “unintentional weight loss.”
The intentional weight loss happens by the efforts of an individual, in which he/she exercises, makes a dieting plan and focus on his/her fitness and health. On the other hand, unintentional weight loss, as the name suggests, happens unintentionally due to malnourishment or an underlying disease. The unintentional weight loss is also called is called cachexia and can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Intentional weight loss is commonly known as slimming.
Intentional Weight Loss
Intentional weight loss happens only when a person exercises and works out to improve his/her health and fitness. This helps in gaining a toned body and an individual also reduces the risks of diseases like diabetes and heart attacks. It helps in reducing pain and increasing movement in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Weight loss also helps in reducing the risks of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Unintentional Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss results in loss of body fats, loss of muscle atrophy and loss of body fluids. This type of weight loss refers to as a problem if a person loses his/her 10% of weight in the last 6 months or 5% of his/her body weight in the last month.
Unintentional weight loss happens as a result of an improper diet that can fulfill a person’s basic energy needs and is basically called malnutrition. The person also becomes susceptible to various health problems and diseases. A person can also get affected by the hormonal changes or by a reduced appetite associated with a disease or treatment. Sometimes the medication after a certain treatment can also result in a diminished diet which can result in unintentional weight loss.