Weight Loss
Loss of weight [2] can be a significant sign of chronic pancreatitis. When an individual’s pancreas produces fewer of the enzymes needed for breaking down and processing nutrients from food, it could cause weight loss. Loss of weight could have its benefits, but a rapid loss of weight depicts an underlying medical condition in most cases. Unexplained weight loss can signify muscle loss, overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. Muscle loss occurs when the muscles are not used for a period. This condition is common among individuals that don’t exercise. Proper nutrition and exercise help muscle loss. Another possible underlying condition that may cause weight loss is an overactive thyroid. This condition is called hyperthyroidism, and it develops when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that could cause weight loss as well. This condition makes the immune system attack the lining of the joints, thereby causing inflammation. Lastly, type 1 diabetes also causes weight loss due to the attack of cells in the pancreas that make insulin.