What Are the Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count & Weight Loss?
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, function to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Five major types of white blood cells exist, each performing important functions in the immune system. An adult’s normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells per microliter, according to MedLine Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Many diseases and illnesses decrease the number of white blood cells, making the body vulnerable to infections. These same diseases also commonly cause weight loss.