6. Weight Loss: PAN’s Unexpected Impact
When we think of weight loss, it’s often in a positive light — the result of dieting, exercise, or a conscious lifestyle choice. But weight loss, when linked to PAN, is far from desired. It’s an involuntary reduction in body weight that can be both sudden and significant, and it’s not due to intentional dieting or exercise.
This weight loss is multifaceted. On one level, the inflammation associated with PAN can increase the body’s metabolic rate. The body, in a bid to combat the inflammation, burns more calories than usual, leading to weight loss. But there’s more to the story than just the body’s internal combustion.
Another layer to this is the appetite suppression that many PAN patients experience. They just don’t feel hungry. The body, preoccupied with managing inflammation and potential damage, might suppress hunger cues. This, combined with the increased metabolic rate, can lead to a noticeable drop in weight.
Beyond just numbers on a scale, this weight loss can be indicative of the severity of PAN. It’s the body’s physical response to the stress and inflammation it’s undergoing. It’s also a testament to the body’s determination in channeling all resources to combat the underlying inflammation.
All in all, weight loss in PAN is a silent indicator of the battles being fought internally. It’s a sign that the body is reallocating its resources, burning more, eating less, and trying to manage the crisis created by the inflammation of the blood vessels. (6)
