9. Weight Loss: The Unintended Consequence of Hepatitis C
When someone mentions weight loss, it’s often in the context of diets or fitness regimens. Yet, in the narrative of Hepatitis C, weight loss acquires a more somber tone. It’s unintentional, an outcome of the liver’s reduced efficiency, and the body’s overall response to the virus.
The weight loss isn’t drastic or sudden. It’s a gradual shedding, where the pounds seem to melt away without any significant change in diet or activity. The reasons are multifaceted. For one, the nausea and reduced appetite mean fewer calorie intakes. Additionally, the liver’s impaired ability to process nutrients results in malabsorption.
But there’s more to it. The body, in its attempt to combat the virus, ramps up its metabolism. This heightened metabolic rate, combined with reduced nutrient absorption, leads to a steady weight decline. It’s almost as if the body is burning its reserves, trying to marshal all resources in its fight against Hepatitis C. (9)
