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Weight Loss
Q. Someone I know has lost a lot of weight in the last few months. Could lactose intolerance cause weight loss -- and bouts of diarrhea? He says he drinks a gallon of milk [whole milk] in 3-4 days. That seems like quite a lot for someone in their 70's.
A. Weight loss is a significant health issue. The causes are multiple and may include diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is certainly a cause of diarrhea and may present at any time in life. A gallon of milk, every 3-4 days does seem excessive and may be contributing. There are multiple causes of diarrhea, including lactose intolerance, celiac sprue, malabsorption from other causes, viral, bacterial or parasitic infections.
The first step is to stop all lactose products (Lactaid may be used) and observe for diarrhea resolution. If there is no change, then a further evaluation is warranted and it would be best to be seen by his/her physician for an examination including blood work and stool analysis. The weight loss may or may not be associated with the diarrhea and may need further evaluation in itself.
Q. Someone I know has lost a lot of weight in the last few months. Could lactose intolerance cause weight loss -- and bouts of diarrhea? He says he drinks a gallon of milk [whole milk] in 3-4 days. That seems like quite a lot for someone in their 70's.
A. Weight loss is a significant health issue. The causes are multiple and may include diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is certainly a cause of diarrhea and may present at any time in life. A gallon of milk, every 3-4 days does seem excessive and may be contributing. There are multiple causes of diarrhea, including lactose intolerance, celiac sprue, malabsorption from other causes, viral, bacterial or parasitic infections.
The first step is to stop all lactose products (Lactaid may be used) and observe for diarrhea resolution. If there is no change, then a further evaluation is warranted and it would be best to be seen by his/her physician for an examination including blood work and stool analysis. The weight loss may or may not be associated with the diarrhea and may need further evaluation in itself.
N. S. Damle, M.D., FACP, is a member of the medical staff at South County Hospital, and is a primary care physician in Wakefield, RI. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Damle is past President of the Medical Staff of South County Hospital and a consultant to URI Health Services in Internal Medicine.
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C/O South County Independent
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Wakefield, RI 02879
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