Does Anemia Cause Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Anemia can affect your weight. However, any weight change that occurs is usually due to the condition’s impact on your lifestyle or appetite, or its underlying cause.
“Anemia can lead to weight changes in some cases,” says Brian Gans, MD, an internal and palliative medicine double board certified physician in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
If your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, it’s difficult for your organs and tissues to get enough oxygen. This can lead to anemia and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Feeling fatigued can make you less likely to be active, which may contribute to weight gain. Some people also report that treatment for iron deficiency anemia has contributed to weight gain, though some research has found the oppositeTrusted Source.
“Additionally,” Gans says, “some types of anemia can cause a decrease in appetite or a change in taste, which can lead to a decrease in food intake and subsequent weight loss.”

What does the research say about anemia and weight changes?
More research has focused on the link between being at a particular weight and then getting anemia than the other way around.
Research does suggest an associationTrusted Source between obesity and anemia — particularlyTrusted Source iron deficiency anemia.
This is thought to be due toTrusted Source increased levels of a hormone called hepcidin affecting the body’s ability to absorb iron.
But weight changes can result from underlying causes of anemia or the condition’s effects on your activity and appetite levels.
For example, nutrient deficiency-related anemia can lead to weight loss. Conversely, weight loss can result in this type of anemia.
A chronic illness or disease such as cancer may also be associated withTrusted Source anemia and unexpected weight loss

When it comes to weight gain linked to anemia, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and general fluid retention may beTrusted Source to blame.
What else can cause unexpected weight loss or gain?
“It’s important to note that weight changes aren’t always a symptom of anemia,” explains Gans.
Lots of other factors can cause or contribute to weight gain or loss.

Weight loss
Certain medical conditions and medications can lead to unplanned weight loss. Here are just some of the factors to be aware of:
• hyperthyroidism
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• celiac disease
• cancer
• depression
• anxiety
• chronic stress
• antidepressants
• chemotherapy

Weight gain
Similarly, other medical conditions and medications, as well as certain lifestyle factors, can cause unexpected weight gain. Here are a few:
• hypothyroidism
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Cushing syndrome
• steroids
• antidepressants
• birth control pills
• consumption of more calories than you burn
• sedentary lifestyle
• sleep deprivation
• hormonal changes such as menopause

How do you know if you have anemia?
Common symptoms of anemia include:
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• weakness or dizziness
• paler-than-usual skin
• heart palpitations

Some people also experience the following with certain types of anemia:
• headaches
• open sores or cracks in the corners of the mouth
• soreness or inflammation of the tongue
• hair loss
• changes in the taste of food or cravings for non-food items such as ice
• tinnitus
• enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver