Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does GERD Cause Weight Loss?
Question: Hello Doctor,
I just wanted to know if GERD can cause you to lose weight?
I was 220lbs three weeks ago and then I had stomach pains. I was still eating but now I am eating healthier and no fatty foods.
Now I am 210lbs. That;s 10 lbs in three weeks. I stopped working out for a month already but I am goign back. The stomach pain is gone and the reflux is very limited now. Is the weight loss a big problem. I am still eating throughout the day.
I also have some anxiety as well.
I just wanted to know if GERD can cause you to lose weight?
I was 220lbs three weeks ago and then I had stomach pains. I was still eating but now I am eating healthier and no fatty foods.
Now I am 210lbs. That;s 10 lbs in three weeks. I stopped working out for a month already but I am goign back. The stomach pain is gone and the reflux is very limited now. Is the weight loss a big problem. I am still eating throughout the day.
I also have some anxiety as well.
Brief Answer:
Gastroscopy should be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
First of all GERD usually does not cause stomach pain. If the stomach hurts and there was some acid reflux before the pain has started, peptic ulcer or stomach inflammation are the most probable reason. Peptic ulcer gives lack of appetite and can lead to weight loss.
Anxiety is also the factor of weight loss due to increased food passage and accelerated metabolism. Additionally anxiety stimulates stomach acid secretion and can worsen stomach condition.
The main problem with weight loss and stomach pain is that you never know if its just an ulcer or something worse (like stomach cancer). Stomach cancer can produce similar to peptic ulcer and similar to GERD symptoms. Weight loss is always an indication that something serious may be happening.
So in conclusion, most likely your weight loss is caused by some stomach issue. GERD usually does not cause weight loss.
However it is advisable to have stomach cancer ruled out.
To do that you should have gastroscopy done.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Gastroscopy should be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
First of all GERD usually does not cause stomach pain. If the stomach hurts and there was some acid reflux before the pain has started, peptic ulcer or stomach inflammation are the most probable reason. Peptic ulcer gives lack of appetite and can lead to weight loss.
Anxiety is also the factor of weight loss due to increased food passage and accelerated metabolism. Additionally anxiety stimulates stomach acid secretion and can worsen stomach condition.
The main problem with weight loss and stomach pain is that you never know if its just an ulcer or something worse (like stomach cancer). Stomach cancer can produce similar to peptic ulcer and similar to GERD symptoms. Weight loss is always an indication that something serious may be happening.
So in conclusion, most likely your weight loss is caused by some stomach issue. GERD usually does not cause weight loss.
However it is advisable to have stomach cancer ruled out.
To do that you should have gastroscopy done.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
