You may feel sick to the stomach and lose your appetite if you have heart failure. This is caused by the excess water in your body. You may feel too full to eat. This can cause you to lose weight, especially if you have bad heart failure.

Even if you are eating normally you may notice that you lose weight. This is because your body can't digest your food as well as it normally would. And because your heart and lungs have to work harder when you have heart failure, your body burns more calories. This adds to the weight loss.

It's important to see your doctor if you are losing weight. You may need to take supplements to help your body get the nutrients it needs.¹

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.