4. Loss of Appetite: The Unintended Fasting
Menetrier Disease doesn’t just stop at causing discomfort; it often suppresses the very desire to eat. A significant reduction in appetite is commonly observed among patients. The cause is multifactorial.
Primarily, the thickening of the stomach lining reduces the stomach’s capacity, causing early satiety. With the stomach feeling full sooner, there’s a natural inclination to eat less. The continuous pain and discomfort further diminish the desire to consume food.
Moreover, nausea and recurrent vomiting, already established symptoms, play spoilsport. The thought of food, when coupled with the memory of recent vomiting, is anything but appetizing. Over time, this can lead to unintentional weight loss.(4)