Sign 8. Unexpected Weight Loss – The Silent Symptom of ALS
Weight loss is another symptom that can occur in individuals with ALS, and it can have significant effects on overall health and quality of life. Weight loss in ALS can be attributed to several factors including increased energy expenditure due to muscle twitching and spasticity, difficulty eating due to dysphagia, and reduced appetite.
Weight loss might be the first symptom that individuals or their loved ones notice, even before more overt signs of motor neuron disease appear. It might begin with an unexplained drop in weight, a change in body shape, or clothes fitting more loosely.
As the disease progresses, maintaining a healthy weight can become increasingly difficult. This is especially true if dysphagia develops, as swallowing difficulties can make eating a laborious process and can lead to inadequate calorie intake.
Nutritional management is an essential component of ALS care, and individuals experiencing weight loss should be referred to a dietitian who can provide personalized advice. Options might include dietary modifications, high-calorie supplements, or even enteral feeding (a feeding tube) in severe cases. (8)
