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Unintentional weight loss — losing 5% or more of your body weight over 6–12 months without trying — is a red flag symptom that always warrants medical evaluation. Gastrointestinal causes account for a significant proportion of unexplained weight loss cases and include both benign and serious conditions.

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GI Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

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• Malabsorption syndromes — celiac disease, SIBO, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

• Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease often causes significant weight loss

• Gastrointestinal malignancy — colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer

• Peptic ulcer disease — pain with eating leads to reduced intake

• Chronic pancreatitis — impaired digestion and malabsorption

• Gastroparesis — delayed emptying causing early satiety and reduced intake

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Evaluation​

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Our gastroenterologists perform a systematic evaluation including bloodwork (CBC, metabolic panel, thyroid, celiac antibodies, inflammatory markers), stool testing, and endoscopic evaluation (upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy) based on the symptom pattern and risk factors. Early detection significantly improves outcomes for GI malignancies.

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Book a GI Evaluation in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online