Weight loss through diarrhoea | Unwanted weight loss

Weight loss through diarrhoea

Diarrhea can lead to unwanted weight loss, especially if it lasts for a long time. When diarrhea occurs, the body loses large amounts of fluid, which normally makes up a large part of the body weight. In addition, food that has been ingested is often not tolerated and quickly passes back through the gastrointestinal tract without having been properly metabolized.

During this phase, the body therefore quickly draws on its own reserves and, after a while, begins to break down fat deposits. This mechanism, in combination with the loss of fluid, causes a more or less pronounced weight loss. Since the body also loses electrolytes through diarrhoea, it is important that the patient replenishes them.Suitable for this purpose are rehydration solutions from the pharmacy or similar solutions that can be prepared by the customer.

In addition one can mix for example 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1.5 spoons of common salt, 150ml orange juice and 150ml still mineral water. The resulting drink contains sufficient amounts of the most important electrolytes. As soon as the diarrhea subsides and the patient is able to eat normally again, the weight loss usually balances itself out quickly. If the weight does not return to normal or if the weight loss continues, a medical examination should be performed.

How can I calculate a weight loss?

Unwanted weight loss worries many people. An unintentional weight loss of more than 10% of the original body weight within six months is considered pathological. To be able to compare your own weight loss with this figure, it must be expressed as a percentage.

For example, a person who weighed 70 kg and unintentionally lost 7 kg within six months has lost the equivalent of 10% of his or her weight. Calculation: 7kg70kg = 0.1 0.1×100 = 10%. If this patient lost only 4kg, this would be 4kg70kg = 0.057; 0.057×100 = 5.7%.

This weight loss would not yet be a cause for concern. There are natural fluctuations in the weight progression due to everyday stress, stressful situations, increased physical activity or a change in eating habits. An unwanted weight loss can also be calculated the other way round.

The patient, who previously weighed 70kg and has now lost 7kg, now weighs 63kg. 63kg/70kg=0.9 0.9×100= 90%. The patient now weighs 90% of his initial weight and has lost 10% of his body weight. In this way the weight loss can be calculated and compared with other percentages.