What is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis?

A common symptom of ulcerative colitis is weight loss, which occurs due to a combination of factors related to the disease. In ulcerative colitis, there is inflammation of the colon that can lead to a decrease in appetite as well as malabsorption of nutrients due to the condition's impact on the digestive tract. Additionally, frequent diarrhea, which is often a symptom of ulcerative colitis, can result in dehydration and a loss of body mass over time.

Understanding the complexity of how ulcerative colitis affects the body helps clarify why weight loss is a key symptom. Individuals may also experience other symptoms like abdominal cramping and urgency to have bowel movements, but the specific mechanism leading to weight loss makes it a particularly notable symptom in this context.