Can Diarrhea Cause Weight Loss? – Dr. Kailash Mishra
Can Diarrhea Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, diarrhoea can cause a loss of weight. This is because most times, when diarrhoea hits, the body loses a lot of fluids, nutrients, and calories during those bouts, which can have other effects on one’s body health in the long term.
- Fluid Loss: Diarrhea presents a loss of much water by the body in a very short time. Loss of fluids contributes to a reduction in body weight since water forms a big constituent in the body’s composition.
- Nutrient Loss: During diarrhoea, nutrients are not absorbed by the body from the provided food. This means that all of the vitamins minerals and other nutrients that would help with weight gain or maintenance are lost in this process.
- Calorie Loss: The body needs calories for energy and to maintain weight. Diarrhea causes the body to lose those calories that are usually absorbed from the food taken in. With time, this could lead to weight loss.

How to Manage Weight Loss Due to Diarrhea?
- Hydrate Yourself: Drinking sufficient volumes of fluids such as water or oral rehydration solutions replaces the water loss that occurs during diarrhoea. This helps to avert dehydration and can be useful to a certain extent in slowing down weight loss.
- Eat small, nutritious meals: Try to eat small meals even when one doesn’t have an appetite. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast make up the BRAT diet, and these foods are easy on the stomach yet nutritious.
- Monitor Your Health: If you continue to have weight loss, or if diarrhoea has lasted more than a few days, call your doctor. Call your doctor if you have any questions about managing your symptoms and preventing excess weight loss.
When Should You Go to the Doctor?
- Prolonged Diarrhea: If diarrhoea lasts longer than a few days, one should consult with the doctor. Long-term diarrhoea may lead to very serious health consequences.
- Severe weight loss: If you are losing loads of weight in a very short time, this may be an indication of something more serious taking place, and medical advice should be sought.
- Other Symptoms: If you have other symptoms such as sharp abdominal pains, fever, or bloody stools, seek medical consultation immediately.
Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic
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