Final answer:
Celiac disease can cause stools to become watery, greasy, and increase in gas due to malabsorption. Weight loss is also common in celiac disease patients, as nutrient absorption is compromised. A gluten-free diet is the main treatment to heal the intestines and alleviate these symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including signs in stool and changes in body weight. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the villi of the small intestine—the structures responsible for nutrient absorption. Consequently, malabsorption occurs, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
Specifically, in terms of stool characteristics, people with celiac disease may experience watery diarrhea, increased gas, or stools that appear greasy or fatty (indicative of fat malabsorption). These alterations in bowel movements typically arise as the body struggles to properly digest and absorb nutrients, specifically fats, due to the villi damage.
Weight changes are also a common sign of celiac disease. Unexplained weight loss is often noted, primarily due to the malabsorption of essential nutrients. Less commonly, weight gain might be observed as the body responds to chronic inflammation and malnutrition. It is crucial for individuals with these symptoms to consult a healthcare professional and undergo proper diagnostic tests, such as serological tests and endoscopy, to confirm celiac disease and begin a gluten-free diet, the primary treatment that promotes intestinal healing and symptom resolution.