Skinny after illness, normal?

[Gettingthru98]

Hello, about 3 weeks ago I had a really bad cold and chest infection type thing. I felt very weak and tired and didn't feel right at all My energy levels are almost back to normal but what I have noticed is that I've lost quite a bit of weight which wasn't intentional. I don't have any scales at home so not sure how much I've lost but my trousers feel bigger so I know I've definitely lost weight. It's worrying me as I don't think I actually ate less during the time I was ill or perhaps I didn't realise it. Has anyone else had similar

Any other symptoms? This happened to me after an illness, along with thirsty, weeing, blurry vision and I had type 1 diabetes. An illness can trigger it.

Fighting infection takes up a lot of energy so can lead to weight loss on its own... but also take note of anything else worrying and no harm in speaking to your GP

Yes, I've experienced this too. Pain, inflammation, snot/catarrh production and infection fighting really do use up much more energy than we think. Could you afford to lose the weight or do you feel you need to regain some?

It depends really. I wouldn't be specifically concerned about weight loss after a period of bad illness as long as my BMI was within a healthy range and I had no lingering digestive symptoms etc. Perhaps keep an eye on whether it comes back on.

It's very normal to have a smaller appetite when unwell. Digestion requires a lot of energy (as does having a fever or an immune response) so we often naturally feel less hungry or fuller quicker. If you were bed bound or exercising less then it is surprising how quickly muscle mass will drop off. These things take a toll and post-viral recovery can take months.

Speak to your GP and/or acquire some scales to keep an eye on it. Given that appointments with the GP are unlikely to be face to face it would be difficult for them to judge without knowing specifics of how much was lost and how quickly.

Look after yourself OP, hope you are back to your best soon.

This is the norm for me if I’m unwell but I struggle to eat much when I am ill.

Hello sorry for the late return to the thread. Had phone trouble and couldn't use it but been repaired now. Appreciate the responses. Got some scales now, I'm 8st 3lbs so lighter than I expected, can't afford to lose anymore. Feel a bit better in myself just very tired but no appetite 😔

I would speak to your GP. I had flu last year and I lost 12lb in 3 weeks as I couldn’t eat. My GP urgently referred me for tests as it was a lot of weight in a short time. I was overweight at the time so my BMI wasn’t a concern it was just that it had fallen off so quickly. All tests were fine and I recovered from the flu.

Last time I was properly ill I lost 5lbs in 3 days and I could see all the veins in my legs.

It’s hard work being ill.

@Fluffycloudland77 that's a lot in 3 days ! It is true that illness really takes it out if you. I'm feeling a bit better, not as tired but have lost another pound. GP wants me to go for a blood test.