AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Concerns About Electrolyte Overdose and Weight Loss Effects
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 40M : 50S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #23957
45 days ago
105

Concerns About Electrolyte Overdose and Weight Loss Effects - #23957

Naffre

Hello, I have two questions: 1.) Eight days ago, I overdosed on electrolytes, taking almost 17g instead of 6g. Since then, I've been extremely fatigued with weakness all over my body, heavy legs, headaches, occasional high blood pressure, fatigue upon waking, and anxiety. I'm feeling a little better now, but it comes and goes. Is it normal to still be in this state after eight days? Is it serious? 2.) I'd like to know if losing weight quite quickly and being slightly underweight (I've lost 4kg in about three weeks and I'm 1.80m tall and weigh 59kg, instead of 63kg before. (I'm consuming about 1800kcal per day)) can cause excessive and intense hunger that lasts all day, localized around the stomach, more or less in the middle of my abdomen, even after meals, even large ones? Because I've been suffering from this for almost a month. Note that I sometimes crave sweets more than usual. (Most of my blood tests are normal). Do you think I should gradually gain weight to calm this extreme hunger, or is it coming from somewhere else? Thank you in advance for your answers and for taking the time to answer my questions.

How would you rate the severity of your fatigue and weakness?:

- Moderate, affecting daily activities

Have you experienced any changes in your appetite or eating habits since the electrolyte overdose?:

- Decreased appetite

Have you had any other symptoms accompanying your anxiety?:

- Irritability or mood swings
FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
44 days ago
5

Hello dear As per clinical history it seems combination of anxiety and energy deficit due to low intake of diet Symptoms usually subside within 5-7 days I suggest you to please get fresh tests done for electrolytes to exact clarification Share the result with concerned physician only It will require CBC Esr Serum ferritin Serum.calcium Serum sodium Serum potassium In addition Take good balanced diet Stay hydrated Avoid heavy meals Hopefully you recover soon Regards

2031 answered questions
64% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
44 days ago
5

Taking a very high amount of electrolytes (around 17 g instead of 6 g) can temporarily disturb your body’s salt and fluid balance, which may lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, headaches, blood pressure fluctuations, anxiety, and “heavy legs.” In most healthy adults, the kidneys correct this imbalance over several days, so feeling gradually better with symptoms that come and go after a week is usually not dangerous, but if symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks or you notice ongoing blood pressure spikes, palpitations, confusion, or vomiting, you should see a doctor and repeat electrolyte and kidney function tests for safety.

Regarding your second concern, at 1.80 m and 59 kg, you are now underweight, and eating only about 1800 kcal/day may be too low for your body’s needs. Rapid weight loss commonly causes strong, persistent hunger, sugar cravings, stomach “gnawing” sensations, fatigue, and anxiety, because your body is trying to restore lost energy stores. This hunger is very likely calorie deficit–related rather than a disease, and gradually increasing your intake and regaining some weight should help normalize your appetite and energy. Overall, your symptoms most likely come from temporary electrolyte imbalance plus undernutrition, not something serious, but monitoring labs and improving hydration and calorie intake would be wise.

1661 answered questions
59% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Your symptoms following the electrolyte overdose could still be related, though it’s a bit unusual for them to persist for eight days. Excess electrolytes can disrupt your body’s balance, impacting nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and could cause the symptoms you’re experiencing like fatigue, weakness, and headaches. Given your symptoms and the duration, it’s important to have a healthcare provider assess you. They might check your kidney function, heart rhythm, and electrolyte levels to see if there are any persisting imbalances. Sometimes symptoms like anxiety and high blood pressure might relate to how your body’s adjusting back to normal. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Regarding the weight loss and hunger, losing 4 kg rapidly and being slightly underweight could indeed lead to increased hunger. Your body may be responding to the caloric deficit by intensifying hunger signals as it tries to regain what was lost. When underweight, or during rapid weight loss, your body often prompts you to eat more as a survival mechanism. Consuming only 1800 kcal might be low for your height and activity level, possibly contributing to the persistent hunger. Gradually increasing your calorie intake, with nutrient-dense foods, might help your hunger normalize and assist in stabilizing your weight. It could be helpful to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian to find a balanced plan. Cravings for sweets can reflect both the energy deficit and possible imbalances in blood sugar. If blood tests are normal, including checking glucose levels, then focusing on balanced meals with proteins, fibers, and healthy fats can be effective. If you notice no resolution in hunger or continued weight loss, follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

18612 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions