Symptom 4: Unintentional Weight Loss: The Silent Thief
In the early stages of ALS, a symptom that can be easily overlooked is unintentional weight loss. When you start shedding pounds without making any significant changes to your diet or physical activity, it could be a sign that something is not right.
This unintended weight loss in ALS is typically due to the body burning more energy than usual. As motor neurons degenerate, the muscles they control become less efficient, using up more energy for even basic movements. This can cause a drop in weight, despite regular food intake.
Another contributing factor to weight loss can be dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, which is also a symptom of ALS. Dysphagia can make eating a challenging task, causing you to unintentionally consume fewer calories. Although it’s a separate symptom, when coupled with the increased energy consumption, it can lead to rapid weight loss.
What’s important to note about this symptom is its subtlety. Weight loss can be easily attributed to stress, change in eating habits, or other common causes. But when you’re losing weight without trying and it’s coupled with other ALS symptoms, it might be time to consult a medical professional. (4)
