Question
I’ve read on the internet that one of the many symptoms of ME is weight loss. My weight has dropped from about 11 stone to just over 9.5 stone over the past six months. I have a reasonable appetite and eat a fairly normal diet. I don’t have any stomach or bowel problems. The fact that I’ve lost quite a bit of weight doesn’t really bother me but why does this occur in ME?
Answer
Weight loss is not a symptom of ME/CFS and does not form part of the underlying disease process in ME/CFS. In fact, many people with ME/CFS report that
their weight has increased due to the restrictions on activity and exercise that this illness imposes.
However, people with ME/CFS who have no other medical problems do sometimes lose weight. In this case there is normally a fairly obvious explanation such as poor nutrition, being on a restrictive diet, or loss of appetite.
When weight loss is significant – as you describe this indicates that other explanations must be considered and, where appropriate, investigated.
There is a long list of conditions that can cause weight loss. Important ones that have symptoms which overlap with ME/CFS and should always be considered include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease – where there are bowel symptoms as well
- Thyrotoxicosis – having over active thyroid gland – which can also cause palpitations and excessive sweating
- Anxiety or depression
Prescription drugs can sometimes cause weight loss as a side-effect. Examples include SSRI antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antidiabetic drugs.
So this is a symptom that you must go and see your doctor about as soon as possible. Your doctor should take a full history, carry out a physical examination, and arrange some blood and urine tests. You could be referred to hospital if it is felt that another opinion or further investigation is required.
If no explanation is found, and you need to gain some weight, information and guidance from a dietitian can be helpful. This is something that our dietitian adviser has covered in previous issues of ME Essential.
See Also: Loss of appetite
More Information:
- NHS website information on unintentional weight loss.
- The ME Association has a range of free information booklets on Diet and Nutrition available in our Free Literature section, including:
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Information provided by The ME Association should not be construed as medical advice. Don't assume any new or worsened symptoms are simply the result of having ME/CFS or Long Covid. We recommend that any information you deem relevant is discussed with your NHS GP as soon as possible. It is important that you seek personalised medical advice from the GP who is in charge of your care and who knows you well.