What causes sudden weight loss with anxiety?
Patient: I have been grieving over the loss of my husband two years ago and have tried to cope with the running of the house, my daughter who has alcohol problems and was giving me serious stress a few months ago. My daughter s children have lived with me since they were very young they are now teenagers. I am a smoker and do drink which has been rather excessive at times. I did have difficulty at times trying to swallow but after a few drinks found it easier to eat without thinking about it. Recently I feel like there is a lump in my throat and food does not go down the other week I choked but it was on a Dorito so it has put me off of eating. The gp has requested a test on my throat and I am waiting for the appointment to be brought forward. Went to a and e explained how I was feeling but although blood pressure is soaring and has been for a while they did not keep me in. Went to gp again yesterday she said chest was clear she thought but there is considerable weight loss gp said it has been over 2 years and not sudden could be anxiety she hopes. My younger daughter thinks I have cancer and wont be around for very long she thinks I have ignored symptoms and been selfish but I have not really done this intentionally and thought it was all down to my grief which has been intense. I know that my symptoms can be caused by various types of cancer but is it possible to have these symptoms and lose weight when grieving? Doctor: HiThanks for using healthcare magicThere are number of reasons for sudden weight loss like  cancer, overactive thyroid, depression, diabetes, COPD, addison disease, etc. In your case, if you have underline depression with anxiety symptoms, that may be the reason. May be due to decrease food intake, you have sudden weight loss. You can take tablet like mirtazapine that would increase your appetite and weight. It would also help to decrease underline anxiety. Rest discuss with your doctor.Thanks