weight loss b/c UC keeps body working?

Hey Gang. Happy New Year! I sincerely hope that 2008 brings all of us a year of health and remission.

So, I have a question, am wondering what you guys think. I think I am very slowly losing a bit of weight. Nothing major, maybe a pound a month or so, and not a big deal because I could probably stand to lose 5 - 10 pounds anyway. But, I have been wondering why because my habits haven't really changed. I do exercise regularly (which I always have done, way before UC) and I do eat some junk still (though I think my eating habit probably have improved since getting UC, as I stay away from really high-fat foods now). So, my thinking is that, in the same way a nursing mother burns more calories because her body works overtime producing milk, I am wondering if maybe my body is burning a few more calories because my body is working a bit harder as I work towards remission. Specifically, I poo more than I used to, and when I do it is sometimes pretty big, or pretty challenging to expel, making me feel like my body just completed a race by the time I get off the loo.... so, I am wondering if those exhausting BMs increase the number of calories we burn? anyone?