Weight loss
Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is more severe and life-threatening and appears suddenly with alarming signs and symptoms. Chronic pancreatitis has a slower progression, and the symptoms are not unbearable. Severe pain is intermittent and transient, lasting for a few hours. However, the gastrointestinal alterations remain for a very long time, which is why these patients commonly reduce their weight without planning.
Weight loss in chronic pancreatitis results from an alteration in the absorption of nutrients and diarrhea. As a result, these patients have a reduced energy intake, and they may even have several nutritional deficiencies. There is also an increase in metabolic activity and energy expenditure as a result of the ongoing stress affecting the organism. Dietary modifications and alcohol abstinence are required for patients to maintain a healthy weight, and in most cases, oral supplementation of vitamins might be required. However, it is important to follow instructions from your doctor to avoid consuming supplements you don’t really need and might even aggravate your symptoms.