Can Celiac Disease Cause Weight Gain?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients which can lead to malnourishment. The disease is triggered by consuming gluten a protein found in wheat barley rye. While most people with celiac disease experience weight loss as a symptom some may gain weight instead.

Why Some People With Celiac Disease Experience Weight Gain

When people with celiac disease consume gluten their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine leading to inflammation damage. The damage can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients such as vitamins minerals calories leading to malabsorption weight loss.

However in some cases people with celiac disease experience weight gain instead. This can occur for several reasons including:

Gluten-Free Foods

Many gluten-free foods are higher in calories fat than their gluten-containing counterparts. People with celiac disease may turn to these foods as a substitute for the gluten-containing foods they can no longer eat leading to unintentional weight gain.

Improved Nutrient Absorption

When people with celiac disease adopt a gluten-free diet their small intestine begins to heal which can improve their ability to absorb nutrients. This improved absorption can lead to weight gain for those who were previously malnourished.

Gluten Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people with celiac disease may experience withdrawal symptoms when they start a gluten-free diet such as increased appetite cravings. These symptoms can lead to overeating weight gain.

Can You Lose Weight if You Have Celiac Disease?

While some people with celiac disease may experience unintentional weight gain others may continue to lose weight even on a gluten-free diet. This can occur if the person is not absorbing enough nutrients from their food or is still consuming trace amounts of gluten.

If you have celiac disease are trying to lose weight it’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a safe effective plan. It’s also important to ensure you’re still getting enough nutrients not unintentionally consuming gluten.

Takeaway

While celiac disease is commonly associated with weight loss some people with the condition may experience unintentional weight gain. This can occur for several reasons including consuming higher calorie gluten-free foods improved nutrient absorption withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a safe effective weight management plan.