Life is great when everything is going well—and we’re not just talking about “good hair day” or “perfect presentation at work” here. Your digestive tract is important, too. But when it’s out of whack, as you might imagine, that can affect your weight.
“Gastrointestinal and digestive problems have a major impact on the way we eat and how our bodies absorb and digest food, leading to weight gain and Losing weight“While many digestive disorders result in weight loss due to malabsorption of food, there are some situations in which gut health can lead to weight gain,” says board-certified gastroenterologist Kenneth Brown, MD.
If the numbers on the scale are fluctuating and you’re not sure why, one of several common digestive issues could be to blame.
1. Acid reflux
Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition causes a painful, burning sensation in the lower chest, or heartburn, when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus. For people who suffer from the condition, the term “comfort food” takes on a whole new meaning, because the act of eating actually helps relieve the pain. “Eating provides temporary relief because both the food you’re eating and the saliva that comes out while you’re actually chewing the food neutralize the acid,” Brown explains. The only problem is, once the food is digested, all the symptoms — bloating, nausea, and hiccups that won’t go away — tend to return, and rebound acid production usually makes them even worse. But for those who seek help, Brown says it’s easy to get caught in a dangerous cycle of overeating that leads to weight gain.
How to fix: While many sources online claim that home remedies like apple cider vinegar or aloe vera can help, Brown says there’s no scientific evidence to support these notions. Instead, she recommends taking over-the-counter medications like Prilosec or Zantac (your doctor can help you choose the one that’s best for you), which don’t have weight gain as a common side effect. If you still find yourself overeating, try these solutions to break the cycle.
2. Ulcers
These nasty ulcers, also known as duodenal ulcers, usually form in the lining of the stomach or small intestine and are usually caused by too much acid. And just like with gastroesophageal reflux disease, eating food temporarily coats the ulcer with a protective layer, neutralizing the stomach acid and relieving painful symptoms like bloating and nausea, explains Sue Thatcher, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in bariatric care, wellness, and optimal health. And while it may seem obvious, eating more frequently can lead to extra calories leading to weight gain.
How to fix: To heal your ulcers, talk to your doctor to find the treatment that’s best for you. He or she may prescribe acid-blocking medications (antacids) like Prilosec or Xantec, Thatcher says. Also, stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin, because they can cause bleeding in people with ulcers, which can be life-threatening. If you need pain control, opt for acetaminophen or Tylenol instead.
3. Constipation
When you have a stuffy nose, that heavy feeling could be weight gain. But there’s good news: It’s not weight gain, because your body isn’t actually absorbing more calories, says Brown. truth It’s more likely that excess stool is adding a few extra pounds to your body than that it’s just causing you to gain weight. Needless to say, constipation isn’t going to motivate you to hit the gym and push yourself. It’s much more likely that it’s leaving you feeling sluggish and heavy… and the couch is calling your name.
How to fix: To stay on track, Brown recommends eating a balanced diet that includes at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day, staying hydrated (aim for 1-2 litres of water per day) and exercising regularly. If you feel like something is off, consider what these signs mean and consider talking to your doctor.
4. Bacterial Overgrowth
Bear with us, this isn’t as terrible as it sounds: Essentially, your gut contains both good and bad bacteria, and research shows that the good bacteria play a key role in your overall health. Reduces inflammation Managing your weight is important. Problems arise when you have an excess of bacteria or an imbalance of bacterial types. (For optimal health, it’s best to think of it as a seesaw: a perfect balance between good and bad bacteria.) When that happens, you can develop a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause weight gain in two ways, says Brown.
First, the bacteria produce methane gas, which “reduces the overall function of the small intestine, allowing the intestinal villi (tiny finger-like projections on the lining of the intestine) to absorb more calories with each bite,” he explains. In other words, the exact opposite of what you want to happen. Second, SIBO can slow down your metabolism and affect insulin and leptin resistance, which regulate hunger and fullness. As a result, you’re more likely to crave carbohydrates and not feel full after a meal, even if it’s one that’s totally satisfying, Thatcher says.
How to fix: To avoid SIBO, Brown recommends avoiding antibiotics unless absolutely necessary (as the name suggests, antibiotics kill bacteria, so you only really need them to help rebalance the see-saw when you’re sick), but if bacterial overgrowth has already occurred, your doctor may recommend a digestive herbal supplement like Atrantil to get you back on track.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a term that’s been thrown around a lot lately. “It’s the most commonly diagnosed digestive disorder and often overlaps with other digestive disorders, including food sensitivities, leaky gut, and an imbalance of good and bad bacteria,” says Thatcher. And, like constipation (a symptom of IBS), it can cause bloating and chronic inflammation, which can also lead to weight gain.
How to fix: For people diagnosed with IBS, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. Doctors can boost the good bacteria you need with probiotics and add digestive enzymes to help break down food so it doesn’t sit in your intestines and cause inflammation, Thatcher explains. Trying a low-gas-producing diet like a gluten-free or FODMAP diet could help reduce bloating and stave off unwanted weight gain, says Brown.
6. Crohn’s disease
Loss of appetite and excessive weight loss are common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, an incurable chronic inflammatory disorder, but the exact opposite can happen as soon as you start treatment with steroids, which Thatcher says are usually just the first step in finding the right medication for you.
“Steroids increase your appetite for carbohydrates, cause you to retain more water and tend to make you feel bloated,” Thatcher says.
The good news is that losing weight isn’t too difficult once you’ve stopped taking steroids, and you can usually lose weight quickly once the steroid relapse symptoms — diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, fever — subside and the symptoms become under control.
How to fix: First of all, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions, since your overall health is more important than gaining a few pounds. However, some doctors, like Dr. Brown, refrain from using steroids because they know the side effects can be undesirable. However, every patient responds differently to medications, so consult with your doctor to find out what works best for you.
7. Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis (also known as delayed gastric emptying) is a common condition in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes that “slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine,” according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Because normal digestion isn’t occurring, it’s common to feel full and bloated around the stomach, which makes you feel like you’ve gained weight, but this condition most often ultimately leads to weight loss.
How to fix: According to the American Gastroenterological Association, diet is one of the most important factors in treating gastroparesis. Foods high in fat and fiber take longer to digest, so patients with the disease are encouraged to limit or completely avoid these foods. However, because this is a serious condition, it’s best to consult with a doctor to find out what the best treatment is.
8. Food Intolerance
If you notice that your body is easily irritated by certain foods, you likely have a food intolerance. Unlike a food allergy, which is an immune system response, a food intolerance affects your digestive system, making it difficult to digest and break down certain foods (most commonly dairy products), according to the Cleveland Clinic. People with food intolerances often experience gas, cramps, and bloating, and may feel like they’re gaining weight. Depending on the severity of the food intolerance, you may also experience diarrhea.
How to fix: Your diet may be making you feel bloated and uncomfortable all day, but it may not actually be making you gain weight. The Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding or cutting down on foods that seem to be causing the problem, and taking an antacid if you do eat something that upsets your stomach.
9. Ulcerative colitis
While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the body from the mouth to the anus, ulcerative colitis stays in the colon, causing constant inflammation of the digestive tract, which may initially lead to weight loss, according to UCLA Health. However, like Crohn’s disease, the steroids used to treat inflammatory bowel disease can cause weight gain.
“Oral steroids like prednisone can also cause a redistribution of body fat, so that fat may move to the face and neck rather than the abdomen and buttocks,” Thatcher says.
You may notice some weight changes during treatment, but everything should return to normal as soon as you stop taking the steroids.
How to fix: After consulting with your doctor, find out the severity of your ulcerative colitis and the treatment plan that is right for you. It is up to you to decide whether to use steroids or not. Moderate to severe symptoms may be treated with steroids, but 5-aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants are also options. Whatever you use, remember that your health comes first. Even if it means gaining a little weight for your health, it will be worth it.
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