Parkinson's and the Gut; Weight Loss

Weight loss can occur as an additional complication of PD. This may happen due to several factors, including those outlined earlier in this blog series, such as slower digestion, reduced sense of smell affecting appetite, medication-related nausea, constipation and subsequent loss of appetite as well as difficulty swallowing or chewing.

Unintentional weight loss can increase people’s risk of malnutrition, decreased energy, increased frailty, falls, and reduced motivation for daily activities.

It is because of these risks that if you or your loved one is experiencing unintentional weight loss, you should consult your medical team immediately to identify contributing factors and how to best manage these.  

It is important to remember that education provided in these blogs should not replace medical advice. Some initial approaches that may help include:

·      Discuss nutritional supplements with your doctor or dietitian

·      Make meals social by eating with friends or family

·      Establish consistent mealtimes to avoid skipping meals

·      Prepare meals in batches for convenience