Can weigh loss be caused by sudden temperature increase?

[kelza]

While doing health checks this week I notice that both of our female hamster have lost weight. One is a 14 month old Syrian and the other is a 10 month hybrid (Campbell Russian size). Both are eating great, going after treats and responding when we call. Other then the weight loss, I can find nothing physically wrong with them; eyes are clear, no sores or fur loss, no lumps, teeth look great and they are moving around just fine. The Syrian has always been thin (she never stops moving!) but her backbone is more noticeable the usual. I've never been able to feel the backbone of the hybrid till now.

There has been a slight increase in drink for all 3 of our hamsters and the girls are a little less energetic then normal, but I contributed that to the sudden rise in temperature we've had. We went from 70F (21C) to over 90F (32C) practically overnight and are sitting there. The humidity is also very high. We do run the A/C and they all get mugs or ceramic bowls to cool off in. The dwarfs also have their sand to lay in (the Syrian tries to eat it so she's not allow sand anymore). Today I set up fans on low near their cages (opposite ends of the house) to keep air moving, and have upped their proteins. Is there anything else I can do for them? Could the weight loss just be due to the hot weather?

The funny thing about this is, my male won't stop moving! He's a winter white (13 months) and is normally very lazy. His physical condition has not changed at all and his cage is right next to the hybrid's cage. So not sure what to make of that...

[Pebbles82]

I don't know if heat can affect weightloss - I suppose it's possible that they don't feel so hungry when it's hot. I think they can vary by 60g if weighed at different times of the day. And apparently they naturally lose a bit of weight as they get older. Charlie started looking a bit ruffled around 18 months and his fur a bit less perfect.

[kelza]

Thank you Serendipity. Yes that's what I meant by the heat, them not wanting to eat when hot (I know I haven't wanted to). I hadn't thought about it being due to age, but it's always possible.