Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?

Does weight loss cause a decrease in PLT (platelet count) and Hb (hemoglobin) levels?

Hello, Dr.
Liao.
I am 20 years old and 172 cm tall.
Six months ago, I weighed approximately 79 kg.
Over the past six months, I have been working hard to lose weight (mainly through exercise and diet, without medication, and maintaining normal lifestyle habits), and my weight has now dropped to 69 kg.
Six months ago, before I started losing weight, I had a blood test, and my platelet count (PLT) was 260, and hemoglobin (Hb) was 13.8 (even earlier during my school entrance examination, my PLT ranged between 250 and 300, and my Hb ranged between 13.5 and 14.5).
However, in my last two blood tests (spaced two months apart), my PLT was 207 and 219, and my Hb was 12.6 and 13.2, which is a noticeable decrease compared to before.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Is it normal for PLT to decrease from 250-300 to 207-219 during the weight loss process over six months? 2) Is it normal for Hb to decrease from 13.5-14.5 to 12.6-13.2 during the weight loss process? Thank you, doctor.

Zhong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/26

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding your concerns, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment for an in-person evaluation by a physician.
Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/06/26

More Info

Weight loss can indeed have an impact on various blood parameters, including platelet count (PLT) and hemoglobin levels (Hb). In your case, you have experienced a significant weight loss of 10 kilograms over six months, which is commendable and often beneficial for overall health. However, the changes in your blood test results raise some important considerations.

1. Platelet Count (PLT): Your platelet count has decreased from a range of 250-300 to 207-219. A decrease in platelet count can occur for several reasons, and while weight loss itself is not typically a direct cause, it can be associated with changes in diet, hydration status, and overall health. For instance, if your weight loss involved a significant reduction in caloric intake or a change in your nutritional status, it could potentially affect your bone marrow's ability to produce platelets. Additionally, dehydration, which can occur during weight loss, may lead to a relative increase in blood volume, thus affecting platelet concentration. However, a platelet count of 207-219 is still within the normal range for most laboratories, which typically consider a normal platelet count to be between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Therefore, while the decrease is notable, it may not be clinically significant unless it continues to drop or is accompanied by other symptoms.

2. Hemoglobin Levels (Hb): Your hemoglobin levels have decreased from 13.5-14.5 to 12.6-13.2. Hemoglobin is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood, and a decrease can indicate several issues, including nutritional deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate), chronic disease, or changes in hydration status. Weight loss, particularly if it involves a significant change in diet, could lead to a decrease in nutrient intake, which might contribute to lower hemoglobin levels. For example, if your diet has become lower in iron-rich foods (like red meat, beans, and leafy greens), this could lead to a decrease in hemoglobin. Additionally, if your weight loss has been rapid, it may not allow your body sufficient time to adjust, potentially leading to temporary changes in blood parameters.

In summary, while some fluctuations in platelet count and hemoglobin levels can occur during weight loss, it is essential to monitor these changes over time. If your platelet count continues to decline or if your hemoglobin levels drop significantly below normal, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions that could be contributing to these changes.

Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial during weight loss to ensure that your body receives the necessary vitamins and minerals to support overall health and blood production. If you have concerns about your diet or nutritional intake, consider consulting with a registered dietitian who can help you create a meal plan that supports your weight loss goals while ensuring adequate nutrient intake. Regular follow-up blood tests can also help track your progress and ensure that your blood parameters remain within a healthy range.

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