3. Unexplained Weight Loss: The Sudden Shrinking Act
Out-of-the-blue weight loss can be unsettling. When pounds drop without a conscious effort to lose weight, something deeper may be at play. What’s fascinating here is how the human metabolism reacts to gallbladder cancer. The tumor can secrete substances that speed up metabolism, causing the body to burn calories at an elevated rate.
But it doesn’t just end with an uptick in metabolic rate. Cancer often triggers what’s known as “cachexia,” a complex metabolic syndrome leading to muscle degradation and fat loss. Your body essentially starts to consume itself, and this is different from the weight loss experienced in dieting or exercising. Here, muscle mass is often the first to go, not fat.
There’s more to this symptom than just shrinking numbers on the scale. A loss of appetite often accompanies unexplained weight loss. Taste changes might occur, where food starts to taste metallic or overly sweet. You might find that your favorite foods no longer entice you. The physical process of eating could become challenging, too. (3)
