Losing weight without trying might sound like a good thing – but if you haven’t made any changes to your diet or activity levels, it could be a sign that something isn’t right. At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we help patients like you get to the bottom of unexplained weight loss, particularly when it’s linked to changes in bowel habits or other digestive symptoms.

If you’ve noticed your clothes are looser, or you’ve dropped a noticeable amount of weight without trying, don’t ignore it – especially if it’s happened over a short period of time or is affecting your energy levels and appetite.

What is unexplained weight loss?

Unexplained weight loss means losing weight unintentionally – without dieting, exercising more, or trying to lose weight. A general guide is:

• Losing more than 5% of your body weight in six to twelve months
• For example, a loss of 7–10 pounds (3–5kg) if you normally weigh around 10–12 stone (65–75kg)

In the context of bowel health, this kind of weight loss can be an important sign of an underlying problem that needs investigation.\

Why does bowel disease cause weight loss?

Your digestive system plays a vital role in absorbing nutrients from food. If something disrupts this process – whether through inflammation, obstruction, malabsorption or cancer – your body may start to lose weight unintentionally.

Possible bowel-related causes include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation, diarrhoea and reduced nutrient absorption
• Coeliac disease – an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, leading to intestinal damage and weight loss
• Bowel cancer – particularly in later stages, cancer can affect appetite, digestion and metabolism
• Chronic infection or inflammation – which can increase the body’s energy demands
• Malabsorption syndromes – where your bowel doesn’t absorb nutrients properly, often leading to weight loss, diarrhoea, and fatigue
• Obstruction or strictures – which can reduce your ability to eat or digest food normally

What other symptoms should I look out for?

Unexplained weight loss is often more concerning when combined with other bowel symptoms, such as:

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Blood or mucus in your stool
• Abdominal pain, bloating or cramping
• A persistent change in your normal bowel habits
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or fatigue
• Feeling full quickly when eating

If you’ve noticed any of the above alongside weight loss, it’s important to get checked without delay.

When to seek medical advice

You should seek help from a bowel specialist if:

• You’ve lost more than a few pounds without trying
• The weight loss has happened over a short period (weeks or a few months)
• You have other symptoms like diarrhoea, blood in your stool, or pain
• You have a personal or family history of bowel disease or bowel cancer
• You feel tired, weak, or look pale

Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes – and sometimes, even peace of mind when serious conditions are ruled out.

How we investigate unexplained weight loss

At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we carry out a thorough assessment of your symptoms, diet, lifestyle and medical history. We may recommend:

• Blood tests – to check for anaemia, inflammation, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies
• Stool tests – for signs of infection, malabsorption, or hidden blood
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy – to look directly at the lining of your bowel
• Coeliac screen – to test for gluten sensitivity
• Imaging – such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans to check for inflammation, cancer or other abnormalities

Our approach is tailored to you, and we’ll explain every step clearly and compassionately.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause of your weight loss. Once we have a diagnosis, we can offer:

• Medication to treat inflammation or infection
• Nutritional support or dietary advice
• Management of long-term conditions like IBD or coeliac disease
• Surgery or cancer care where appropriate

We also work closely with dietitians and other specialists to ensure holistic, ongoing support.

Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?

We’re a leading centre for bowel health in the Midlands, offering fast access to expert care and advanced diagnostics. Our experienced consultants work with you to find the cause of your symptoms and deliver safe, effective treatment in a comfortable setting.

Contact us

If you’ve noticed unexplained weight loss, especially alongside bowel symptoms, don’t wait. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a consultation with one of our expert bowel specialists. We’re here to help you find answers and feel better again.