Hi All,

I'm new here. I know almost nothing about MG but have been asked to do a bit of research for an older family friend who has had it for about 10 years. She is really struggling lately with weight loss. I do not know anything about her med history. I only know that her appetite is good and she still eats as much as ever but lately continues to lose too much weight.

Anyone ever encounter this? If so what did you do to counteract it?

Crystal

Hi, Crystal. People with MG sometimes lose weight because they have trouble chewing and swallowing, or because they're on a drug that suppresses their appetite. But if your friend has a good appetite and is eating plenty, and still losing weight, then someone should check to see if there is another cause, because that's not a symptom of MG.

The first thing that comes to mind is Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). This is an autoimmune disease that is very common in people who have myasthenia gravis. It's also more common in the elderly. Hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism so that you lose weight even though you're eating a lot.

Abby

Thanks Abby. I will pass along your thoughts.

Crystal

I have MG and I have been losing weight lately.. about 20 lbs in the last 2 months. I think my problem is the motivation to eat, because it is hard when you can't bite down hard and such. I have a great appetite, which might be because I am a daily marijuana smoker. But yeah sounds like your friend has a digestive problem possible if shes still eating alot.

Thanks for your thoughts Jacob. You did raise some interesting ideas for me with what you posted.

Crystal