Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?

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

Hello Dr.
Chen, I am 20 years old and 172 cm tall.
Six months ago, I weighed about 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 my hemoglobin (Hb) was 13.8 (even earlier, during a school entrance examination, my PLT was between 250 and 300, and my Hb was between 13.5 and 14.5).
However, in my last two blood tests (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, is it normal for someone like me, who has lost 10 kg in six months, to experience: 1) a decrease in PLT from 250-300 to 207-219 during the weight loss process? 2) a decrease in Hb 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: 2023/07/12

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Online consultations cannot provide a diagnosis.
Please bring your reports for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your attending physician, or you may consult at health management or weight loss clinics.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2023/07/12

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 kg over six months, and your recent blood tests show a decrease in both PLT and Hb levels. Let's explore this further.

1. Platelet Count (PLT) Decrease:
A decrease in platelet count from 260 to 207-219 can occur for several reasons. Weight loss, especially if it is rapid or significant, can lead to changes in the bone marrow's production of blood cells, including platelets. Additionally, if your diet during this weight loss phase has been deficient in certain nutrients, it could also affect platelet production. For example, deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, or iron can lead to changes in blood cell counts. However, a decrease in platelet count can also be influenced by other factors such as hydration status, stress, or underlying medical conditions. In general, a platelet count of 207-219 is still within a relatively normal range, but it is lower than your previous levels. Continuous monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are advisable to rule out any underlying issues.

2. Hemoglobin Levels (Hb) Decrease:
Your hemoglobin levels have also decreased from 13.8 to a range of 12.6-13.2. This decline could be attributed to several factors related to your weight loss journey. If your caloric intake has significantly decreased, it may lead to insufficient iron intake, which is essential for hemoglobin production. Additionally, if your weight loss has been accompanied by increased physical activity, your body may require more iron and other nutrients to support muscle recovery and overall health. It's also worth noting that hemoglobin levels can fluctuate based on hydration status; dehydration can falsely elevate hemoglobin levels, while overhydration can dilute it.
In summary, while some fluctuations in PLT and Hb can be normal during weight loss, significant or persistent changes warrant further investigation. It is crucial to ensure that your diet is balanced and includes adequate amounts of essential nutrients, particularly iron, vitamin B12, and folate, to support healthy blood cell production.
If you continue to experience declines in these values or have symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or unusual bruising, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend additional blood tests or dietary assessments to ensure that your weight loss is healthy and sustainable without compromising your blood health. Regular follow-ups can help monitor these parameters and provide peace of mind as you continue your weight loss journey.

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