Symptom 5: The Weight Worry: Unintentional Loss and Collagenous Colitis
Rounding out our top five symptoms of collagenous colitis is unintentional weight loss. Now, losing weight without trying might sound like a dream to some, but in the medical world, it’s a cause for concern. It could indicate that your body isn’t absorbing nutrients effectively, or it could be a sign of an underlying health issue like collagenous colitis.
Weight loss in collagenous colitis can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the chronic diarrhea associated with this condition can lead to significant nutrient and calorie loss. This, coupled with a reduced appetite due to abdominal pain and nausea, can result in a negative calorie balance, leading to weight loss.
Additionally, the inflammation in the colon can disrupt the absorption of nutrients from food. This malabsorption can contribute to weight loss, as your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to maintain its weight. It’s like running a car without enough fuel – eventually, it’s going to start breaking down. (5)
