Why Does Adrenal Insufficiency Cause Weight Loss?

April 3, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Weight Loss

Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, can cause weight loss due to several factors:

  • Decreased cortisol production: Adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased production of cortisol, a hormone involved in metabolism regulation. Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar levels, mobilizes stored glucose, and helps the body use fat and protein for energy. Decreased cortisol levels can result in inefficient metabolism of nutrients, leading to weight loss.
  • Loss of appetite: Adrenal insufficiency can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can reduce appetite and result in decreased food intake, contributing to weight loss.
  • Malabsorption: Adrenal insufficiency can affect the function of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients from food. This means that even if a person with adrenal insufficiency is eating, their body may not be able to absorb all the nutrients properly, leading to weight loss despite adequate food intake.
  • Muscle wasting: Cortisol helps maintain muscle mass by promoting protein breakdown and inhibiting protein synthesis. In adrenal insufficiency, decreased cortisol levels can lead to muscle wasting, where the body breaks down muscle tissue for energy, resulting in weight loss.
  • Fluid loss: Adrenal insufficiency can also lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can result in fluid loss and contribute to weight loss, especially if not adequately replaced.

Overall, the combination of metabolic changes, decreased appetite, malabsorption, muscle wasting, and fluid loss can lead to weight loss in individuals with adrenal insufficiency. However, it’s essential to note that the extent of weight loss and specific symptoms can vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition, as well as individual differences in metabolism and overall health.

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