Big appetite with Poor weight gain
Weight gain is a common symptom of cystic fibrosis. This occurs even after consuming sufficient calories and sustenance. The patients have a strong desire for food and a large appetite, but they do not acquire weight; this is due to the body’s inability to absorb certain nutrients, which can result in malabsorption. Intestinal absorption of nutrients and lipids is inhibited by the viscous mucus, resulting in poor digestion and weight gain. These patients require additional caloric. The majority of adolescents have exhibited poor weight gain. The patients have pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents an enzyme responsible for carbohydrate and protein digestion from entering the intestine. The inability of the body to properly digest food results in malabsorption and inadequate weight gain.
