10. Unexplained Weight Loss: The Subtle Warning of DES
It starts with the numbers on the scale slowly dropping. At first, you might consider this weight loss as a welcome surprise, especially if you’ve been aiming to shed a few pounds. However, the cause could be far more complex than a successful diet or increased exercise—it could be a subtle symptom of DES.
Why would an issue in your esophagus result in weight loss? It sounds counterintuitive, but it comes down to how DES impacts your eating habits. The pain and discomfort caused by spasms might lead to reduced appetite or avoiding meals altogether, which inevitably results in weight loss over time.
The phenomenon has an intriguing psychological angle as well. The subconscious stress and worry over experiencing a DES spasm during a meal may condition you to eat less. This is not just about a physical symptom; it’s a labyrinth of physiological and psychological factors, each compounding the other.
You might notice that your clothes fit differently, or friends might comment on your changed appearance. It’s an unusual route to realize something might be going awry in your esophagus. The peculiarity of the symptom lies in its ability to manifest physically but originate from a complex interplay of physical and mental triggers.(10)
