Why Would You Lose Weight Due To Your Liver?

For overweight people with fatty liver disease, weight loss is an important goal. In fact, a 2009 study published in the journal "Hepatology" found that participants with this condition were able to achieve improved liver health after losing a modest amount of weight. Yet weight loss tied to liver health is not always beneficial -- it can be a sign of several serious diseases affecting this vital organ. If you are experiencing unintentional weight loss, it's imperative that you consult your physician to determine if liver disease -- or any other condition -- is the cause.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

The liver is involved in breaking down the alcohol you consume. This process produces byproducts that are even more damaging to the liver than the alcohol itself. As the liver is damaged over time due to continual alcohol consumption, the organ is unable to function properly. Although you may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of alcoholic liver disease, eventually nausea, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss can occur. Fortunately, this organ is able to repair itself if cirrhosis hasn't developed, but you must stop drinking for this healing process to begin.

Liver Cancer

Hispanics, African Americans and males in general are two times more likely to develop liver cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. While the cause of the disease is not always clear, some cases develop due to infections with the hepatitis virus. Unintended weight loss is a key symptom of liver cancer, and related symptoms of nausea, vomiting and appetite loss are also common. Many treatments are available, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and liver transplant.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a virus that you may contract from several different sources, including having sexual intercourse with an infected person. Each form -- A, B and C -- causes inflammation of the liver, affecting the organ's ability to properly function. Hepatitis A is usually an acute condition, so any weight loss associated with loss of appetite will likely be minimal; in fact, this form of the disease typically resolves itself without treatment. Hepatitis B and C, however, can become chronic conditions, causing unintentional weight loss, among many other symptoms. Treatment is focused on preventing these viruses from damaging the liver; a transplant may be necessary in some cases.

Hemochromatosis

Although certain health conditions can cause hemochromatosis, you may develop this disorder due to genetic factors, as well. In hemochromatosis, your GI tract absorbs an excessive amount of iron, which can affect the liver and several organs. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, weakness and hair loss. Eventually, organ damage can cause both liver disease and cancer. Treatment is centered on preventing or repairing liver damage and removing the excess iron, which requires removing blood from the body regularly until iron levels are normal.