Weight loss and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Weight loss has been reported as a symptom associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in medical literature. Learn what this association means, other symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and the tests providers may use to investigate it. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
What does weight loss have to do with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
In the medical literature, weight loss is one of the symptoms reported in association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This means people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease may experience weight loss, but it does not mean weight loss always indicates Inflammatory Bowel Disease - it can have many other causes.
Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Tests used to investigate Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Crp Test C-Reactive Protein
This blood test measures levels of CRP to help indicate if cases of inflammation or infection are occurring. I...
Fecal Calprotectin
Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome....
Gastrointestinal Health Tests
Fast, easy and affordable gastrointestinal lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. Simply orde...
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Assesses low-level inflammation and cardiovascular risk....
Other symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
These symptoms are also reported in association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Bloody diarrhea
Passage of many stools containing blood....
Chronic diarrhea
The presence of chronic diarrhea, which is usually taken to mean diarrhea that has persisted for over 4 weeks....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Poor appetite
A reduced desire to eat....
Frequently Asked Questions
Can weight loss be a sign of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Weight loss is among the symptoms reported in association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in medical literature. Symptoms vary widely between individuals, and weight loss can occur for many reasons unrelated to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This information is educational, not a diagnosis.
What else can cause weight loss?
Weight loss can be associated with many conditions beyond Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Explore the weight loss page to see a broader list of reported associations. Always discuss your symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider.
Which tests may be used if Inflammatory Bowel Disease is suspected?
A healthcare provider may order tests such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), CBC with Differential, Crp Test C-Reactive Protein, Fecal Calprotectin, Gastrointestinal Health Tests when evaluating Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.