Symptom 5. Reduced Appetite and Weight Loss: The Silent Consequences of Ulcerative Colitis
Another pair of symptoms that often accompany ulcerative colitis are reduced appetite and unintended weight loss. When your gut is inflamed and irritated, it’s not uncommon to lose your appetite. You might find that you’re eating less than usual, or that you’re feeling full more quickly.
The persistent pain and discomfort associated with UC can also affect your desire to eat. After all, if eating seems to trigger your symptoms or make them worse, you might start avoiding meals to try and reduce your discomfort.
However, reduced food intake can have a significant impact on your overall health. Not getting enough nutrients can lead to weight loss, which, if substantial, can lead to malnutrition. This can further compromise your health, making it harder for your body to recover and manage the symptoms of UC.
Moreover, the chronic diarrhea that often accompanies UC can also contribute to weight loss. If your body isn’t able to absorb nutrients properly due to frequent bowel movements, you might start losing weight even if your eating habits haven’t changed. (5)
