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Nagging, fatigue-related hunger, anyone?

Posted by friedrich @friedrich, Aug 6, 2024

I’ve experienced the Covid-related weight gain reported by others: 12 pounds (7%) over 6 months. This might have been caused by feeling hungry (and eating) every 1-2 hours in spite of little physical activity.

The hunger is driven by a feeling of significant fatigue and depletion that needs more than rest to address that depletion. And that feeling of significant fatigue occurs every 1-2 hours.

I’m guessing that it’s a detection-and-response error. Covid-fatigue is being detected (mistakenly) as true fatigue resulting from intense mental or muscular work, and the appetite management system is generating the feeling of hunger so that I’ll eat to replenish the energy stores that were depleted by that [illusory] bout of “intense work.”

This view is simply my guess. I couldn’t find it addressed in the scientific literature. It will help me to know if others have experienced this Covid-related “nagging hunger” phenomenon. Has anyone?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

joanland | @joanland | Apr 29 1:48pm
In reply to @friedrich "To joanland — I just realized that I never responded to your Comment on 08/11/2024 about..." + (show)
@friedrich

To joanland —

I just realized that I never responded to your Comment on 08/11/2024 about using electrolytes to treat LC-based excessive fatigue. So, I just now looked online for medical-science-based opinion on using electrolytes to treat that fatigue.

The advice I found was to simply remain well-hydrated, with plain water — unless medical tests indicate an electrolyte deficiency.

Of course, as with LC symptoms generally, each longhauler may experience fatigue for reasons particular to them, and have their own particular response to electrolyte supplements.

Optimally, one should consult with one’s healthcare professionals about whether or not to use electrolyte supplements, and how much and how often.

I’m optimistic that ongoing LC research will provide better guidance in the future about treating LC symptoms.

Wishing us all steady progress in our recovery from LC !

— friedrich

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Thanks for your thoughtful reply, and for the research. Somehow with LC doing research is a lot more difficult now, as is most everything. Brain fog can be nasty. I'm in a really difficult spot right now. Nothing seems to give me any energy other than doing nothing for several days to weeks, and I'm hoping some modicum of energy will come back. Again, thanks. This area does have an MD who works with Long-COVID people. Although she is a neurologist by training, she was involved in COVID and Long-COVID research for several years in another state. I have an appointment scheduled with her for next month, which will be coming up soon.

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friedrich | @friedrich | Apr 29 8:38pm
In reply to @joanland "Thanks for your thoughtful reply, and for the research. Somehow with LC doing research is a..." + (show)
@joanland

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, and for the research. Somehow with LC doing research is a lot more difficult now, as is most everything. Brain fog can be nasty. I'm in a really difficult spot right now. Nothing seems to give me any energy other than doing nothing for several days to weeks, and I'm hoping some modicum of energy will come back. Again, thanks. This area does have an MD who works with Long-COVID people. Although she is a neurologist by training, she was involved in COVID and Long-COVID research for several years in another state. I have an appointment scheduled with her for next month, which will be coming up soon.

Jump to this post

To joanland —

I salute your seeking out a healthcare professional with a demonstrated commitment to learning how LC works.

Best wishes for a productive visit that leaves you encouraged that your health will one day improve !

— friedrich

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