8) Weight loss
Lactose intolerance has various conditions, associated symptoms and health problems that trigger weight loss. One of them is diarrhea, other is malnutrition. Diarrhea leads to an accelerated bowel movement that does not allow for nutrients and water to be properly digested in the small intestine and the large intestine. Thus, these patients end up with a severe imbalance in electrolytes, dehydration, and poor nutrition. Moreover, lactose intolerance is associated with an increased susceptibility for certain nutrient deficiencies, and may lead to a poor functioning of the body and alterations in the metabolic system.
Weight loss is the final result, especially in cases when lactose intolerance is severe (caused by total absence of the enzyme lactase) and when the condition is not properly managed. Thus, if you have the symptoms we have described in this article or have lost 5% of your body weight without any change to your diet or exercise pattern, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to rule out lactose intolerance, which is one of many chronic conditions associated with this symptom.
