Loss of body volume
Posted by: Carrelli
Date: September 19, 2005 10:52 AM
I have recently lost a noticeable amount of body volume. I appear much thinner overall - especially on my wrists / forearms and upper body. I am age 41. My weight is unchanged at 160 lbs. for the last 3 years. That is why I stated that I seem to have lost unexplained body volume. I am in general good health and have always lifted weights on a regular bases for strength. In that last 6 months I am eating better (far less white processed food - more organic food, etc). I have not lost any muscle strength (that I can tell). Recent standard blood tests are all OK. I can't figure out where the loss is due to. I can't see it being just water, weight, or fat. Question: based on above data - I am concerned somewhat due to the unexplained change - any ideas of what direction I should take? Most people would be happy to "look" thinner - except I haven't lost any weight - but look 10 -12 lbs. lighter.
RE: Loss of body volume
Posted by: Ron Kennedy, M.D.,
Date: September 19, 2005 11:07 AM
Here are some possibilities (1) you have weighed yourself on different scales, (2) you have been weighing yourself on a defective scale, (3) you have dysmorphia, or (4) your weight has redistributed itself. Possible causes of #4 are loss of muscle mass in the upper body accompanied by weight gain in the lower body as fat (this happens with aging - testosterone deficiency/HGH deficiency), although it is a bit odd that it should happen so quickly as you describe. You have not lost volume or you would not weigh the same. I have to think this has something to do with your change in diet, perhaps with so much less meat your hormone balance has shifted. Do not mistake this for diagnosing you, but just a few things that occur to me. I suggest you see a doctor for some tests and a proper diagnosis.
RE: Loss of body volume
Posted by: Ron Kennedy, M.D.,
Date: September 19, 2005 8:09 PM
As far as I know, all of the neuromuscular degenerative disorder involve loss of of muscle tissue (which you may or may not have), but should be accompanied by loss of strength (which you say you do not have). A bone density test would be easy to run.