Unintentional Weight Loss

People can lose weight if they are not absorbing nutrients properly, a condition called malabsorption. With malabsorption, appetite may be normal or slightly decreased. There may be some abdominal discomfort and bloating.

When the primary problem is one of fat digestion or absorption, there will usually be changes in stool color and consistency. A disorder of the intestine, pancreas or liver could cause this.

Do your stools show one or more of the following changes: yellow or beige color a foul smell oily, floating consistency? Yes, I do notice one or more of these symptoms. No, I do not have any of these symptoms.

START OVER    PREVIOUS

Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD Date Last Reviewed: 8/3/2006 Date Last Modified: 6/27/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

Related About.com Content

• Thyroid Disease

• Lymphoma