2. Unexplained Weight Loss: More Than Just a “Happy Accident”
When the numbers on the scale start plummeting without a diet or exercise regimen, it’s natural to feel a momentary rush of joy. But hold your horses; unexplained weight loss is no cause for celebration. Especially when dealing with mesothelioma, this symptom serves as a silent alarm. Metabolic changes within the body can cause weight loss, sometimes quite drastic, without apparent reason.
You might think shedding those extra pounds out of the blue sounds fantastic. But let’s get serious; when you’re losing weight inexplicably, it’s often a sign your body is working overtime to fight off something nasty. The weight loss isn’t about losing fat; it’s about your body losing its capability to maintain normal physiological functions.
Here’s where mesothelioma comes into play. When your body is engaged in a prolonged battle with a severe illness like cancer, the energy expenditure can ramp up. Your body, in its fight against the disease, might start to consume muscle mass for fuel. And let’s be clear, that’s not a trade-off you want to make. (2)
