Unexplained Weight Loss
There are two main ways in which vagus nerve damage can cause weight loss – by affecting appetite or by affecting absorption. The vagus nerve plays an important role in appetite. It sends signals from the gut to the brain that tell us when we are full. When these signals are disrupted due to damage to the vagus nerve, we may no longer feel full after eating and may end up overeating. This can lead to weight gain. However, in some cases, vagus nerve damage can have the opposite effect and lead to weight loss by suppressing appetite.
Another way vagus nerve damage can cause weight loss is by affecting absorption. The vagus nerve also sends signals from the gut to the brain that tell us when to absorb nutrients from food. When these signals are disrupted, we may not absorb nutrients as well from food as we normally would. This can lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing further damage to the vagus nerve and maintaining a healthy weight.
