Rapid weight loss can take a toll on the body in unexpected ways. Although there's no direct connection between weight loss and a popping sensation in the ribs, the two often occur together due to abdominal changes. Rib pain can also be a symptom of several other conditions.
Gallstones
If you experience pain in your right side near the ribs after weight loss, your gallbladder could be the culprit. People who fast or otherwise lose a lot of weight quickly are at increased risk of gallstones. Other high-risk groups include obese people, those with diabetes, people over 60 and anyone who takes cholesterol-lowering drugs. Symptoms include prolonged pain in the gallbladder area, nausea, fever or chills, a yellowish tint to the skin or eyes, and clay-colored stools; if you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately.
Broken Ribs
If you've lost a lot of weight and aren't used to not having that extra cushion of skin around your midsection, it could be easier for you to break a rib. Broken ribs usually result from accidents, falls and contact-sport injuries, but repetitive motions from activities like baseball, basketball, rowing and golf can crack a rib as well. So can prolonged coughing spells, so if your weight loss is in conjunction with an illness that also caused you to cough excessively, get your ribs checked out.
Slipping Rib Syndrome
Slipping rib syndrome is a little-known condition that often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Athletes can develop slipping rib syndrome when they overuse their upper bodies, and slipped ribs can cause nerve and muscular pain. There's no direct connection with weight loss, but if you've dropped weight after taking up serious athletic training, your weight loss and rib pain may seem to be correlated.
Pregnancy
Many women experience a shifting or popping sensation in their ribs during pregnancy as the fetus grows and moves. After birth, those ribs may do some more shifting as your body adjusts to no longer carrying a child. Your shape may not be exactly the same as it was before your pregnancy, and your ribs need a little time to settle back into their proper places. Breathing exercises may be able to help strengthen your rib cage's mobility; ask your doctor for specific recommendations.
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