I do find this fascinating. There are parasites that alter an animal’s behavior. It doesn’t seem that far fetched to think that there could be a virus that stimulates the appetite.
About six years ago, I suddenly gained 25 pounds. I was already 20 pounds overweight, so that next jump really hit me hard. I wasn’t eating more - I was actually eating a lot less. The weight just plopped on. For six years, I’ve been fighting it, but it’s like my body’s new “set point” is 25 pounds higher.
In my case, I’d developed two endocrine system disorders: PCOS and hypothyroidism.
I don’t think that a virus alone would cause weight gain, but I could see a virus setting off another issue that would. Colds are associated with the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Could a cold be associated with the onset of a thyroid disorder? With T2 diabetes? With a metabolism shift? With an increase in appetite? Could a virus cause a person’s body to stop producing a hormone that signaled that it was full?
I don’t see why not.
My body went crazy after having the flu about 9 years ago. My immune system began attacking my lungs and scarred them up pretty badly.