With obesity rates soaring to epidemic heights in the United States, the quest for weight loss is a common endeavor among Americans. However, when weight loss is unintentional, it can be a warning sign indicating an underlying health problem.
Unintentional weight loss accompanied by diarrhea can be a symptom of a number of disorders. If you're experiencing diarrhea and weight loss, you should consult a doctor who can narrow down the probable causes and point you in the proper direction for treatment.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease occurs when the consumption of a protein called gluten triggers your immune system to begin destroying parts of your small intestine. This digestive condition, also known as sprue, is thought to be genetic in origin. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten-rich foods such as those that contain wheat, barley and rye, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Diarrhea is a common symptom, according to MayoClinic.com, and some persons with celiac disease may experience weight loss due to an inability to absorb nutrients through their damaged intestinal lining.
Autonomic Neuropathy
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary processes in your body such as digestion by relaying information between your brain and your gastrointestinal system. When the nerves of the autonomic system are damaged, the result is called autonomic neuropathy. MedlinePlus notes that autonomic neuropathy that affects the nerves of the digestive tract can cause diarrhea and unintentional weight loss of over 5 percent of your body weight.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a less common cause of weight loss with diarrhea. In people with this syndrome, tumors called gastrinomas form in the stomach. These tumors release a hormone called gastrin that circulates in the blood and prompts the release of excess stomach acids. Peptic ulcers can result. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome include weight loss and diarrhea.
Crohn's Disease
There is no cure for Crohn's disease, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cases of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease are growing in number. This disorder may be caused by bacterial and viral infections, genetic factors or dietary influences -- no one is sure exactly. Medical strategies for managing Crohn's disease include medication and lifestyle changes that are aimed at reducing the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal bloating, weight loss and nausea.
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