Symptom 4. Unexplained Weight Loss: The Unintentional Slim-Down
Dropping a few pounds might sound like a dream for some. But with NHL, it’s not the result of diet or exercise; it’s unintentional. Weight loss is a silent tale of how the body’s resources are being redirected.
NHL affects metabolic rates. Cancer cells are greedy; they hog nutrients and energy for themselves. As these cells grow, they starve the body of essential nutrients, leading to weight loss. It’s as if these cells are burning calories at an accelerated rate, leaving less for the body’s use.
Furthermore, appetite takes a hit. The feeling of fullness arises quicker, leading to reduced food intake. Combined with the heightened metabolic rate, it becomes a double whammy for weight loss. Food might lose its appeal, and flavors might seem bland or altered.
Beyond the physical aspect, there’s an emotional and psychological dimension. The constant tug-of-war between the body and cancer cells can affect mood, leading to reduced interest in food. Social engagements around meals might become less appealing.
Weight loss in NHL is multifaceted. It’s a narrative of how cancer cells, in their bid to thrive, reroute the body’s resources for themselves. It’s a reminder that our body, in all its complexity, reacts and adapts to the challenges thrown its way. (4)
