Unintentional Weight Loss
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Unintentional weight loss of more than 5% in one month
Unexplained weight loss
Experiencing unexplained weight loss of more than 5% in one month
About the Symptom
Unintentional weight loss is when one loses weight without changing the diet or exercise routine.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Unintentional weight loss
Possible Causes
Generally, Unintentional weight loss can be related to:
- Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancers most commonly arise in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. Risk factors include heavy alcohol use resulting in chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, and a family history of pancreatic cancer as well as some inherited syndromes. There are usually no symptoms when the tumor is small but later symptoms include yellowing of the skin (jaundice), mid-back pain, abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss and fatigue.
- Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin tissue layer around the lungs. It's more common in people over 50 years old. The most likely cause is long-term exposure to a mineral called "asbestos".
- Castleman's Disease / TAFLO Syndrome
Castleman disease is a rare disorder where lymph node cells overgrow. Often, only one lymph node is affected, usually in the chest or abdomen. The exact cause is unknown but may be linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).
- Bone Tumor
- Graves' Disease
- Esophageal Cancer
- Functional Dyspepsia
- Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Unintentional weight loss may be related to these serious diseases:
Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a metabolic state characterized by elevated blood ketone levels, often associated with diabetes.
- Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g. Addison Disease)
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you experienced unintentional weight loss of more than 5% or 4.4lbs/2kg within one month?
- "When did you first notice your recent weight loss?"
- How is your recent weight loss now?
- Have you experienced any recent weight loss?
Reviewed By:
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Lost more than 5% of my weight within a month without a reason
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- Lost 5% of body weight in a month without a reason
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FAQs
Q.
Are pain improvements guaranteed after weight loss surgery?
A.
Pain improvements are not guaranteed after weight loss surgery. Some patients may still experience pain, especially if they have conditions like lipedema.
References:
Lapointe-Gagner M, Jain S, Alali N, Elhaj H, Poirier AS, Kaneva P, et al. (2023). Predictors of post-discharge pain and satisfaction with .... Surgical endoscopy, 37491658.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37491658/
Cornely ME, Hasenberg T, Cornely OA, Ure C, Hettenhausen C, & Schmidt J. (2022). Persistent lipedema pain in patients after bariatric surgery. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 35144895.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35144895/
Ehlers AP, Sullivan KM, Stadeli KM, Monu JI, Chen-Meekin JY, & Khandelwal S. (2020). Opioid Use Following Bariatric Surgery: Results of a .... Obesity surgery, 31808115.
Q.
Are Roux-en-Y or sleeve gastrectomy effective for pain relief?
A.
Bariatric surgeries like Roux-en-Y and sleeve gastrectomy can help reduce chronic abdominal pain, but their impact on long-term opioid use varies.
References:
Chahal-Kummen M, Våge V, Kristinsson JA, & Mala T. (2023). Chronic abdominal pain and quality of life after Roux-en-Y .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 36870870.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36870870/
Iranmanesh P, Barlow K, & Anvari M. (2023). The effect of bariatric surgery on opioid consumption in .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 37121852.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37121852/
Maciejewski ML, Smith VA, Berkowitz TSZ, Arterburn DE, Bradley KA, Olsen MK, et al. (2020). Long-term opioid use after bariatric surgery. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 32507657.
Q.
Are there any common side effects associated with berberine supplements?
A.
Berberine supplements can cause some common side effects like stomach upset and diarrhea.
References:
Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, Ma J, Li X, Yan J, et al. (2023). Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36999891.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999891/
Blais JE, Huang X, & Zhao JV. (2023). Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the .... Drugs, 36941490.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36941490/
Di Pierro F, Bertuccioli A, Giuberti R, Saponara M, & Ivaldi L. (2020). Role of a berberine-based nutritional supplement in .... Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica, 32283882.
Q.
Can berberine help in managing food cravings and appetite?
A.
Berberine may help reduce appetite and manage food cravings, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
References:
Park HJ, Jung E, & Shim I. (2020). Berberine for Appetite Suppressant and Prevention .... BioMed Research International, 7752296.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7752296/
Och A, Och M, Nowak R, Podgórska D, & Podgórski R. (2022). Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome. Molecules, 8874997.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8874997/
Shen X, Hui R, Luo Y, Yu H, Feng S, Xie B, et al. (2020). Berberine Facilitates Extinction of Drug-Associated .... Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7194034.
Q.
Can berberine interact with prescription medications?
A.
Yes, berberine can interact with prescription medications by affecting how drugs are processed in the body.
References:
Khoshandam A, Imenshahidi M, & Hosseinzadeh H. (2022). Pharmacokinetic of berberine, the main constituent .... Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36221815.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36221815/
Guo Y, Chen Y, Tan ZR, Klaassen CD, & Zhou HH. (2012). Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes .... European journal of clinical pharmacology, 21870106.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21870106/
Bathaei P, Imenshahidi M, & Hosseinzadeh H. (2025). Effects of Berberis vulgaris, and its active constituent .... Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology, 39141022.
Q.
Can weight loss surgery improve overall quality of life?
A.
Weight loss surgery can improve overall quality of life by helping people feel better physically and mentally.
References:
Sierżantowicz R, Ładny JR, & Lewko J. (2022). Quality of Life after Bariatric Surgery-A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 35897447.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35897447/
Coulman KD, & Blazeby JM. (2020). Health-Related Quality of Life in Bariatric and Metabolic .... Current obesity reports, 32557356.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32557356/
Nguyen N, Varela EJ, Nguyen T, & Wilson SE. (2006). Quality of life assessment in the morbidly obese. Obesity surgery, 16687017.
Q.
Can weight loss surgery prevent the need for knee replacement?
A.
Weight loss surgery may reduce the risk of needing a knee replacement by decreasing joint pain and stress on the knees.
References:
Paccou J, Fall SFK, Lenne X, Theis D, Pattou F, & Bruandet A. (2025). The relationship between bariatric surgery and risk of hip .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 40393833.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40393833/
Salis Z, Sainsbury A, I Keen H, Gallego B, & Jin X. (2022). Weight loss is associated with reduced risk of knee and hip .... International journal of obesity (2005), 35017711.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35017711/
Heuts EAF, de Jong LD, Hazebroek EJ, Wagener M, & Somford MP. (2021). The influence of bariatric surgery on hip and knee joint pain. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34116961.
Q.
Can weight loss surgery reduce knee and hip pain from osteoarthritis?
A.
Weight loss surgery can help reduce knee and hip pain from osteoarthritis in people who are obese.
References:
Eymard F, & Aron-Wisnewsky J. (2024). Osteoarthritis in patients with obesity: The bariatric surgery .... Joint bone spine, 37734439.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37734439/
Heuts EAF, de Jong LD, Hazebroek EJ, Wagener M, & Somford MP. (2021). The influence of bariatric surgery on hip and knee joint pain. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34116961.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34116961/
Gill RS, Al-Adra DP, Shi X, Sharma AM, Birch DW, & Karmali S. (2011). The benefits of bariatric surgery in obese patients with hip .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 21883871.
Q.
Does bariatric surgery reduce complications of knee replacement surgery?
A.
Bariatric surgery before knee replacement surgery can help reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients with obesity.
References:
Werner BC, Kurkis GM, Gwathmey FW, & Browne JA. (2015). Bariatric Surgery Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty is .... The Journal of arthroplasty, 26071250.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26071250/
Maman D, Eynhoren G, Ben-Zvi L, Steinfeld Y, Yonai Y, & Berkovich Y. (2025). Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Postoperative Outcomes .... Journal of clinical medicine, 40004718.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40004718/
Ryan SP, Couch CG, Duong SQ, Taunton MJ, Lewallen DG, Berry DJ, & Abdel MP. (2022). Does Bariatric Surgery Prior to Primary Total Knee .... The Journal of arthroplasty, 35202755.
Q.
Does bariatric surgery relieve chronic pain?
A.
Bariatric surgery may help reduce chronic pain for some people, but it is not guaranteed, and some may still experience pain or need pain medication after surgery.
References:
Kim J, Waitzman N, Richards N, & Adams T. (2022). Prescriptions for pain medication before and after bariatric .... Surgical endoscopy, 34734303.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34734303/
Kerver GA, Bond DS, Crosby RD, Cao L, Engel SG, Mitchell JE, & Steffen KJ. (2021). Pain is adversely related to weight loss maintenance .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34600842.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34600842/
Simoni AH, Ladebo L, Christrup LL, Drewes AM, Johnsen SP, & Olesen AE. (2020). Chronic abdominal pain and persistent opioid use after .... Scandinavian journal of pain, 31756166.
Q.
Does berberine improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels?
A.
Berberine may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to some studies.
References:
Blais JE, Huang X, & Zhao JV. (2023). Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the .... Drugs, 36941490.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36941490/
Hernandez AV, Hwang J, Nasreen I, Sicignano D, Pasupuleti V, Snow-Caroti K, & White CM. (2024). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of dietary supplements, 37183391.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37183391/
Zhang LS, Zhang JH, Feng R, Jin XY, Yang FW, Ji ZC, et al. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone or Combined with .... The American journal of Chinese medicine, 31094214.
Q.
Does berberine support liver and heart health?
A.
Berberine may help support liver and heart health by improving metabolic functions and reducing risk factors related to these organs.
References:
Och A, Och M, Nowak R, Podgórska D, & Podgórski R. (2022). Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 35209140.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35209140/
Behl T, Singh S, Sharma N, Zahoor I, Albarrati A, Albratty M, et al. (2022). Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological .... Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 35744831.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35744831/
McCarty MF, O'Keefe JH, & DiNicolantonio JJ. (2015). Red Yeast Rice Plus Berberine: Practical Strategy .... Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 26308759.
Q.
Does weight loss surgery affect back pain medication use?
A.
Weight loss surgery can help reduce the need for back pain medication by alleviating spinal symptoms and improving back pain.
References:
Joaquim AF, Helvie P, & Patel AA. (2020). Bariatric Surgery and Low Back Pain: A Systematic .... Global spine journal, 32002354.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32002354/
Stefanova I, Currie AC, Newton RC, Albon L, Slater G, Hawkins W, & Pring C. (2020). A Meta-analysis of the Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Back .... Obesity surgery, 32440778.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32440778/
Passias PG, Fernandez L, Horn SR, Ihejirika YU, Wang E, Vasques-Montes D, et al. (2022). Bariatric Surgery Lowers Rates of Spinal Symptoms and .... Clinical spine surgery, 35550396.
Q.
Does weight loss surgery improve physical ability and mobility?
A.
Yes, weight loss surgery can help improve physical ability and mobility by reducing pain and making it easier to move.
References:
Herring LY, Stevinson C, Davies MJ, Biddle SJ, Sutton C, Bowrey D, & Carter P. (2016). a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 26783103.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26783103/
Steele T, Cuthbertson DJ, & Wilding JP. (2015). Impact of bariatric surgery on physical functioning in obese .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 25580667.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25580667/
King WC, Chen JY, Belle SH, Courcoulas AP, Dakin GF, Elder KA, et al. (2016). Change in Pain and Physical Function Following Bariatric .... JAMA, 27046364.
Q.
How can I choose a high-quality and safe berberine supplement?
A.
To choose a high-quality and safe berberine supplement, look for products tested for purity and quality, and consider those recommended by healthcare professionals.
References:
Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, Ma J, Li X, Yan J, et al. (2023). Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36999891.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999891/
Mirzai S, & Laffin LJ. (2023). Supplements for Lipid Lowering: What Does the Evidence .... Current cardiology reports, 37300664.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37300664/
Danoun S, Balayssac S, Gilard V, Martino R, & Malet-Martino M. (2023). Quality evaluation of berberine food supplements with high .... Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 36402125.
Q.
How does berberine activate AMPK, the metabolic master switch?
A.
Berberine activates AMPK, a key enzyme in energy regulation, by influencing various cellular pathways, which may help improve metabolism and reduce cancer risk.
References:
Li W, Hua B, Saud SM, Lin H, Hou W, Matter MS, et al. (2015). Berberine regulates AMP-activated protein kinase .... Molecular carcinogenesis, 24838344.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24838344/
Ma X, Egawa T, Kimura H, Karaike K, Masuda S, Iwanaka N, & Hayashi T. (2010). adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and .... Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 20423742.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20423742/
Zhao L, Sun LN, Nie HB, Wang XL, & Guan GJ. (2014). Berberine improves kidney function in diabetic mice via .... PloS one, 25409232.
Q.
How does berberine help manage blood sugar levels?
A.
Berberine helps lower blood sugar by improving how the body uses sugar and by making cells more sensitive to insulin.
References:
Zhang H, Wei J, Xue R, Wu JD, Zhao W, Wang ZZ, et al. (2010). Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus .... Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 19800084.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19800084/
Yin J, Gao Z, Liu D, Liu Z, & Ye J. (2008). Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction .... American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 17971514.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17971514/
Xie W, Su F, Wang G, Peng Z, Xu Y, Zhang Y, et al. (2022). Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 36467075.
Q.
How does obesity worsen joint pain and osteoarthritis?
A.
Obesity can make joint pain and osteoarthritis worse because it adds extra weight to the joints and can also cause hormonal changes that affect the joints.
References:
Vijayan S, & Margesan T. (2025). Hormonal Imbalance in Obesity and Arthritis. Current rheumatology reviews, 38623986.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38623986/
Timmins KA, Leech RD, Batt ME, & Edwards KL. (2017). Running and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review .... The American journal of sports medicine, 27519678.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27519678/
Georgescu B, Cristea AE, Oprea D, Lupu AA, Stanciu LE, Borgazi E, et al. (2024). Current Evidence on and Clinical Implications of Vitamin D .... Clinics and practice, 39451873.
Q.
How does weight loss surgery reduce pressure on joints?
A.
Weight loss surgery helps reduce pressure on joints by decreasing body weight, which can alleviate joint pain, especially in the hips and knees.
References:
Heuts EAF, de Jong LD, Hazebroek EJ, Wagener M, & Somford MP. (2021). The influence of bariatric surgery on hip and knee joint pain. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34116961.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34116961/
Paccou J, Fall SFK, Lenne X, Theis D, Pattou F, & Bruandet A. (2025). The relationship between bariatric surgery and risk of hip .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 40393833.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40393833/
Gill RS, Al-Adra DP, Shi X, Sharma AM, Birch DW, & Karmali S. (2011). The benefits of bariatric surgery in obese patients with hip .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 21883871.
Q.
How long do pain improvements last after weight loss surgery?
A.
Pain improvements after weight loss surgery can vary, with some people experiencing lasting relief while others may develop chronic pain over time.
References:
Kerver GA, Bond DS, Crosby RD, Cao L, Engel SG, Mitchell JE, & Steffen KJ. (2021). Pain is adversely related to weight loss maintenance .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34600842.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34600842/
Jansen CMAH, Bonouvrie DS, Jacobs MLYE, Janssen N, Leclercq WKG, Scheltinga MRM, & Roumen RMH. (2020). Chronic Abdominal Pain After Previous Bariatric Surgery. Obesity surgery, 32337643.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32337643/
Høgestøl IK, Chahal-Kummen M, Eribe I, Brunborg C, Stubhaug A, Hewitt S, et al. (2017). Chronic Abdominal Pain and Symptoms 5 Years After .... Obesity surgery, 28028658.
Q.
How long does it typically take to see results from berberine supplements?
A.
Berberine supplements may start showing effects in a few weeks, but the exact time can vary based on individual conditions and goals.
References:
Och A, Och M, Nowak R, Podgórska D, & Podgórski R. (2022). Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome. Molecules, 8874997.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8874997/
Yin J, Xing H, & Ye J. (2008). Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes - PMC. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 2410097.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2410097/
Gao Y, Wang F, Song Y, & Liu H. (2020). The status of and trends in the pharmacology of berberine. Chinese Medicine, 6971869.
Q.
Is berberine effective for reducing chronic inflammation?
A.
Berberine may help reduce chronic inflammation, according to some studies. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
References:
Naz I, Masoud MS, Chauhdary Z, Shah MA, & Panichayupakaranant P. (2022). Anti-inflammatory potential of berberine-rich extract via .... Journal of food biochemistry, 36121315.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36121315/
Shakeri F, Kiani S, Rahimi G, & Boskabady MH. (2024). Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory .... Phytotherapy research : PTR, 38358731.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38358731/
Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh S, & Momtazi-Borojeni AA. (2021). A focus on anti-inflammatory properties. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 34719112.
Q.
Is berberine useful for individuals with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes?
A.
Berberine may help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits and safety.
References:
Panigrahi A, & Mohanty S. (2023). Efficacy and safety of HIMABERB® Berberine on glycemic .... BMC endocrine disorders, 37679692.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37679692/
Xie W, Su F, Wang G, Peng Z, Xu Y, Zhang Y, et al. (2022). Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 36467075.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36467075/
Dong H, Wang N, Zhao L, & Lu F. (2012). Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 23118793.
Q.
What are the health benefits of bariatric surgery besides weight loss?
A.
Besides weight loss, bariatric surgery can improve health by reducing diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
References:
Mulla CM, Middelbeek RJW, & Patti ME. (2018). Mechanisms of weight loss and improved metabolism .... Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 28868615.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28868615/
Arterburn DE, Telem DA, Kushner RF, & Courcoulas AP. (2020). Benefits and Risks of Bariatric Surgery in Adults: A Review. JAMA, 32870301.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32870301/
Nguyen NT, & Varela JE. (2017). Bariatric surgery for obesity and metabolic disorders: state .... Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 27899816.
Q.
What are the main health benefits of berberine supplements?
A.
Berberine supplements may help with managing blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, and offer cardiovascular benefits.
References:
Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, Ma J, Li X, Yan J, et al. (2023). Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36999891.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999891/
Ilyas Z, Perna S, Al-Thawadi S, Alalwan TA, Riva A, Petrangolini G, et al. (2020). The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent .... Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 32353823.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32353823/
Imenshahidi M, & Hosseinzadeh H. (2019). Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 30637820.
Q.
What BMI is typically required for weight loss surgery to treat pain?
A.
Weight loss surgery to treat pain often requires a BMI of 35 or higher, especially if there are related health issues like joint pain.
References:
Heuts EAF, de Jong LD, Hazebroek EJ, Wagener M, & Somford MP. (2021). The influence of bariatric surgery on hip and knee joint pain. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 34116961.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34116961/
Gil BZ, Gil SM, & Romero FR. (2024). Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Quality of Life of Obese .... Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes, 39630755.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39630755/
Fonseca Mora MC, Milla Matute CA, Ferri F, Lo Menzo E, Szmostein S, & Rosenthal RJ. (2020). Reduction of invasive interventions in severely obese with .... Surgical endoscopy, 31559579.
Q.
What is the recommended dosage for berberine supplements?
A.
The recommended dosage of berberine supplements varies, but studies suggest a common dose is around 500 mg taken two to three times daily.
References:
Cicero AF, Tartagni E, & Ertek S. (2014). Nutraceuticals for metabolic syndrome management. Current vascular pharmacology, 23627983.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627983/
Xie W, Su F, Wang G, Peng Z, Xu Y, Zhang Y, et al. (2022). Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 36467075.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36467075/
Mazza A, Nicoletti M, Lenti S, Torin G, Rigatelli G, Pellizzato M, & Fratter A. (2021). Effectiveness and Safety of Novel Nutraceutical .... Journal of medicinal food, 32456525.
Q.
What makes liposomal berberine more effective than regular berberine?
A.
Liposomal berberine is more effective than regular berberine because it is better absorbed by the body, which means it can work more effectively.
References:
Sharma VM, Valsaraj TV, Venkataramana Sudeep H, Raj A, Kodimule S, & Jacob J. (2024). Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies of .... European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V, 39094668.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39094668/
Duong TT, Isomäki A, Paaver U, Laidmäe I, Tõnisoo A, Yen TTH, et al. (2021). Nanoformulation and Evaluation of Oral Berberine-Loaded .... Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 33946815.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33946815/
Costa F, Giorgini G, Minnelli C, Mobbili G, Guardiani C, Giacomello A, & Galeazzi R. (2024). Membrane Composition Allows the Optimization of .... Molecular pharmaceutics, 39425686.
Q.
What specific daily tasks can bariatric surgery help patients perform more easily?
A.
Bariatric surgery can make daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and tying shoes easier for patients by improving their physical function.
References:
Miller GD, Nicklas BJ, You T, & Fernandez A. (2009). Physical function improvements after laparoscopic Roux .... Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 19342308.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19342308/
Vargas CB, Picolli F, Dani C, Padoin AV, & Mottin CC. (2013). Functioning of obese individuals in pre- and postoperative .... Obesity surgery, 23515976.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23515976/
Melissas J, Kontakis G, Volakakis E, Tsepetis T, Alegakis A, & Hadjipavlou A. (2005). The effect of surgical weight reduction on functional status .... Obesity surgery, 15826473.
Q.
What type of exercise helps with GLP-1 muscle wasting?
A.
To help with muscle loss from GLP-1 medications, doing resistance exercises like lifting weights can be beneficial.
References:
Locatelli JC, Costa JG, Haynes A, Naylor LH, Fegan PG, Yeap BB, & Green DJ. (2024). Incretin-Based Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy. Diabetes care, 38687506.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687506/
Mechanick JI, Butsch WS, Christensen SM, Hamdy O, Li Z, Prado CM, & Heymsfield SB. (2025). Strategies for minimizing muscle loss during use of incretin .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 39295512.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39295512/
Grosicki GJ, Dhurandhar NV, Unick JL, Arent SM, Thomas JG, Lofton H, et al. (2024). The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity to Support .... Current developments in nutrition, 39624804.
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