Losing weight and constipation
Constipation means that you have difficulty moving your bowels or have a bowel movement less often than is usual for you. See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions. If you are drinking enough, your urine will be pale yellow and plentiful. For example, a 150-pound person who is constipated and unintentionally loses at least 7. Constipation with weight loss can occur for a number of very different reasons. If you are trying to lose weight, your constipation may be related to the changes in your diet. If you are dehydrated, it will be dark and scanty. Adding high-fiber foods to your diet, including whole grains, salads, raw fruits and vegetables, may be enough to get your bowels moving again. Get Started Resources Second Opinion Read expert perspectives on popular health topics Message Boards Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life Insurance Guide Get ready for changes to your health care coverage Physician Directory Find a doctor in your area Pain Coach Track your pain levels, triggers, and treatments. Losing a couple of pounds is probably not a matter of concern unless you are very underweight, but losing 5 percent or more of your usual weight over a period of 6 to 12 months might indicate a problem. Message Boards Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. Download Living Healthy Featured Content Improve Your Concentration These Foods and Drinks Can Help Allergy App Fight allergies with daily forecasts, local alerts, and personalized tips. If you are trying to lose weight, the change in your diet can cause constipation. While most people have a bowel movement every day, having a bowel movement every 2 to 3 days is not a concern if that pattern is comfortable and normal for you.
Get Started Drug News Vitamin B12 May Not Help Some Seniors Do Supplements Give Athletes an Edge. Taking Medications During Pregnancy Pill Identifier Having trouble identifying your pills. Second Opinion Read expert perspectives on popular health topics. New Schizophrenia Drug Approved FDA: New, Stronger Warning for NSAIDs New Drug Approved for Heart Failure Mobile Drug Information App Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go. If you are constipated and losing weight without trying, your doctor will ask when the weight loss started and how much you have lost. Marcy Brinkley has been writing professionally since 2007. If you are losing weight without trying, you may have a potentially serious condition that needs prompt treatment. The combination of constipation and weight loss can also be a sign of cancer of the colon and rectum, so it is important to let your doctor know what is happening, especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. 5 pounds -- 5 percent -- in a year should seek medical attention. A number of potentially serious conditions could cause constipation and unintentional weight loss, including eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, ulcerative colitis or bowel obstruction. Drinking more water can help, too, especially if you are exercising more than usual. Get Started My Medicine Save your medicine, check interactions, sign up for FDA alerts, create family profiles and more. How to Treat Childhood Skin Problems Pregnancy App The big day is coming. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill. Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug.
