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Could my intense hunger and fatigue be related to my recent weight loss?
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General Health
Question #24113
45 days ago
93

Could my intense hunger and fatigue be related to my recent weight loss? - #24113

Naffre

Hello, I used to weigh 63 kg (139 lbs) and am 1.80 m (5'11") tall. I lost weight due to reflux (GERD). I lost 4 kg (10 lbs) in 3 weeks, so about 59 kg (130 lbs). Since then (it's been over a month), I've had almost constant and intense hunger, with waves of fatigue and weakness, and sensitivity to cold in my hands and feet. I've also experienced irritability and mood swings. This hunger is often a false "signal" because it's the same after meals or when I don't actually need to eat. Even though this hunger is intense, I still feel full or satisfied. I sometimes even have a lack of appetite despite this hunger; I'm very confused. (I'm consuming around 1800 kcal per day maximum, sometimes less.) In addition, I often experience acid reflux after meals. Could you tell me if this hunger and all of this could be related to the weight loss? Thank you in advance for your answers.

How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?:

- 1-2 months

Have you made any significant changes to your diet recently?:

- Not sure

How would you describe your stress levels lately?:

- High
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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.
43 days ago
5

Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems either chances of hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism dur to metabolic disorder. Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation. Please share the result with concerned physician or endocrinologist for further evaluation Serum ferritin Serum tsh Lft Rft Rbs Esr Hopefully you recover soon Regards

2031 answered questions
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Your symptoms of intense hunger, fatigue, and other issues can indeed be related to your recent significant weight loss and ongoing reflux. When you lose weight rapidly, your body might trigger pathways that make you feel hungrier as a way to regain balance. This can lead to hormonal changes affecting hunger signals, which explains the continued sense of hunger after meals or even without needing food. The fatigue and sensitivity to cold could be signs that your calorie intake is not meeting your body’s energy requirements, especially if you’re consuming only around 1800 kcal or occasionally less, which may be insufficient for someone of your height and activity level.

Moreover, the persistent reflux might indicate that the management of GERD isn’t optimal, and this can impact your digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to these symptoms. The irritability and mood swings could be secondary to both calorie restriction and nutritional imbalances.

I would recommend discussing your reflux treatment with a healthcare provider who may consider adjusting medications or exploring dietary changes to better control your symptoms. Additionally, try to gradually increase your calorie intake with balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to see if it alleviates some of the fatigue and hunger issues. Adequate hydration and small frequent meals might help with both GERD and hunger signals.

It’s also worth checking your nutrient levels (such as iron, B12, vitamin D) because deficiencies can manifest as fatigue and weakness. If the symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation might be necessary to rule out other conditions that could mimic these symptoms, such as thyroid imbalances or other metabolic concerns. Consult your healthcare provider to develop a tailored plan that safely addresses these multiple aspects of your condition.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
44 days ago
5

Hello

Yes — this can absolutely be related to your recent weight loss, and what you’re describing makes physiological sense.

Rapid weight loss + low calorie intake can confuse hunger signals and drain energy, especially when combined with GERD and high stress.

What’s likely happening:

Losing 4 kg in 3 weeks is fast for your height → your body enters a defensive mode Hormones like ghrelin (hunger) rise, while leptin (satiety) drops — causing intense “false hunger” 1800 kcal or less at 1.80 m / 59 kg is often not enough → leads to fatigue, cold sensitivity, weakness

GERD can create burning or empty sensations that feel like hunger even when you’re full

High stress worsens reflux and disrupts appetite signals

Irritability and mood swings fit with low energy availability

Why you feel hungry but full at the same time:

That’s classic signal mismatch — your stomach is full, but your brain thinks energy is scarce.

What helps (safely):

Gradually increase intake (small steps, not huge meals) Prioritize protein + complex carbs + healthy fats Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce reflux Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating Manage stress (it directly affects gut–brain signaling)

Important to rule out:

If this continues, get checked for: Thyroid imbalance Iron or B12 deficiency Blood sugar issues

This is not imaginary, and you’re not “losing control” — your body is trying to protect itself.

I trust this helps Thank you Take care

1214 answered questions
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3 replies
Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
41 days ago
5

Hello

This is not from weight gain itself.

Most likely causes: Bloating from GERD → makes abdominal muscles feel tight/tender Stress/anxiety → causes muscle tension (including abdomen) Possible magnesium or electrolyte imbalance → can cause trembling and cramps

Since you also get cramps easily, check: Magnesium Potassium Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (if possible)

Stay hydrated, increase calories gradually, and manage stress.

If you develop real muscle weakness, numbness, or worsening pain, see a doctor.

1214 answered questions
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Accepted response
Naffre Tony
Client
44 days ago

Thank you for your reply. I’ve already had tests done, except for vitamin B12. But my iron, thyroid, fasting blood sugar, etc., were all negative.

I also wanted to ask you: since I’ve been eating a little more each day (over 1,900 kcal), I’ve been experiencing tension in my abdominal muscles, as if they were contracted, tender, and trembling. It’s an unpleasant sensation, sometimes painful. Is this related to my weight gain/increased calorie intake, or is there another cause?

Also, unrelated, but I get cramps with the slightest muscle contraction. Could this be related?

Thank you again for your reply.

Naffre Tony
Client
44 days ago

Thank you for your reply. I’ve already had tests done, except for vitamin B12. But my iron, thyroid, fasting blood sugar, etc., were all negative.

I also wanted to ask you: since I’ve been eating a little more each day (over 1,900 kcal), I’ve been experiencing tension in my abdominal muscles, as if they were contracted, tender, and trembling. It’s an unpleasant sensation, sometimes painful. Is this related to my weight gain/increased calorie intake, or is there another cause?

Also, unrelated, but I get cramps with the slightest muscle contraction. Could this be related?

Thank you again for your reply.

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