Diarrheausually lasts just a few days without any further issues.
However, diarrhea that lasts more than three days can cause weight loss.
),celiac disease,irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), orinflammatory bowel disease (IBD.
Stock Planets / Getty Images
It also explains how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Diarrhea and Weight Loss
Diarrhea refers to stools that are loose and watery.
Loose stools may be accompanied by changes in bowel movements, including increased frequency and/or urgency or fecal incontinence.
Over time, increased frequency of stool may cause weight loss.
Diarrhea can be either acute, persistent, or chronic.
Acute diarrhea lasts less than two weeks and is one of the most common illnesses in the United States.
Diarrhea that lasts between two and four weeks is considered persistent.
Diarrhea that continues for longer than four weeks is characterized as chronic.
Chronic diarrhea affects an estimated 5% of the population at any given time.
This loss of body fluid may show up on the scale as weight loss.
This reduces your calorie intake, which can also contribute to weight loss.
Depending on how long diarrhea lasts and the severity of symptoms, the weight loss can be significant.
Are Laxatives a Good Way to Lose Weight?
Usinglaxatives for weight lossis ineffective and dangerous.
Any weight loss is from water loss and will be regained once you rehydrate.
Most cases of acute diarrhea are triggered by an infection.
The infection may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic.
Often, this punch in of diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days.
You’ll be asked to keep a food diary, noting your symptoms as you slowly re-introduce certain food.
This can help doctors determine which foods might be triggering your symptoms.
Laboratory tests
A number of tests may be used to determine the cause of diarrhea.
Diet changes are also often recommended to manage IBS and IBD.
Prescription medications may also be required to treat the underlying causes of chronic diarrhea.
Thus, it is unclear if probiotic foods are helpful for these disorders.
Summary
Acute diarrhea may result in temporary weight loss if it lasts for three days or more.
Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that persists longer than four weeks.
Acute diarrhea may be resulting from infection, food-borne illness, stress, or medications.
Identifying the cause of diarrhea will help determine the best treatment for diarrhea and associated weight loss.
It can also lead to additional complications, like fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and unintended weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic diarrhea that lasts longer than four weeks can lead to malnutrition.
For this reason, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if diarrhea persists.
American College of Gastroenterology.Diarrheal diseases acute and chronic.
Schiller LR, Pardi DS, Sellin JH.Chronic diarrhea: diagnosis and management.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol.
2017;15(2):182-193.e3.
doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2016.07.028
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diarrhea.
Winslow BT, Onysko M, Thompson KA, Caldwell K, Ehlers GH.Common Questions AboutClostridium difficileInfection.Am Fam Physician.
2014;89(6):437-42.
Health Direct.Causes of diarrhoea.
2018;72(2).
doi:10.1111/ijcp.13066
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet & nutrition for diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diarrhea.
MedlinePlus.Weight loss - unintentional.
