Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Loosing weight after going gluten-free

dani2323

By dani2323
in Related Issues & Disorders

 Share

Recommended Posts

dani2323 Newbie
dani2323
Posted

Hi everyone ! I was diagnosed with celiac disease and prediabetes about 1 and half months ago and I changed my diet immediately with professional help. The main gastrointestinal symptoms improved shortly after I stopped eating gluten, but I am still losing weight and I am extremely worried because I cannot lose any more kilograms (height: 160 cm, weight: 45kl, age: 23) I mostly notice it in areas such as my breast, stomach, legs, arms and hands. Has anyone else lost weight after going gluten free? I just want to know if it is something that one has to expect because of the change of diet or if it is something worth to check. I don’t know any celiac, so I appreciate any advice. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


dani2323 Newbie
dani2323
Posted
  • Author

I have to add that I have always had trouble gaining weight (all my life underweight) but now Im worried because I was expecting everything to improve after going gluten-free

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

dani, how many calories are you consuming daily?

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Double check your diet and make sure there is no hidden gluten, which means that you may need to stop eating outside your home if possible, and avoid restaurants. The average time to villi and symptom recovery is two years, but this can likely be one year or less if you’re diet is 100% GF.

MADMOM Community Regular
MADMOM
Posted
On 8/28/2021 at 6:45 PM, dani2323 said:

I have to add that I have always had trouble gaining weight (all my life underweight) but now Im worried because I was expecting everything to improve after going gluten-free

it took me roughly 3-4 months before i started to see weight gain - your body has to heal 

AlwaysLearning Collaborator
AlwaysLearning
Posted

Separate from any damage from gluten affecting your ability to absorb nutrients, I would look at a couple things.

1. Next time you see your doctor, have them check your hormone levels specifically looking for thyroid issues. If your thyroid is hyperactive, long term difficulties with gaining weight would be expected, and thyroid issues are common among celiacs.

2. If you haven't already, get tested for vitamin deficiencies. Different deficiencies often go along with different health problems so they can be a clue to help figure things out.

3. I would also make sure to get rechecked for being prediabetic. Now that you have changed your diet and stopped consuming gluten, that diagnosis could have changed as well. If you are avoiding foods such as carbohydrates because of the prediabetes diagnosis, that could also explain weight loss.

Congratulations on getting a diagnosis, going gluten free, and starting down the road to recovery!

 

Wheatwacked Veteran
Wheatwacked
Posted

Do you get hungry? Other than your concern about getting "too skinny" do you feel well? Gluten has a appitite stimulating effect so it may take time to get over it. Did your professional base the diet on reducing calories by going low fat or reducing glycemic load through low carbohydrates? Does it target the Celiac or the prediabetes? Recent research on the DASH diet has shown the full fat Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension was benificial.   Study Finds Higher Fat Variation of DASH Diet Beneficial (todaysdietitian.com)   https://www.todaysdietitian.com/news/032316_news.shtml

182cm male: I dropped from 84 kg to 72 kg then back up to 76 kg. Until I was 25 years I weighed less than 68 kg. Don't worry, you will gain weight. Being underweight used to be one of the classic symptoms of celiac disease.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and protein. Skip processed food. Your most important concern with Celiac Disease is vitamin status and not eating wheat, rye, and barley; not calories.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


MADMOM Community Regular
MADMOM
Posted
9 minutes ago, Wheatwacked said:

Do you get hungry? Other than your concern about getting "too skinny" do you feel well? Gluten has a appitite stimulating effect so it may take time to get over it. Did your professional base the diet on reducing calories by going low fat or reducing glycemic load through low carbohydrates? Does it target the Celiac or the prediabetes? Recent research on the DASH diet has shown the full fat Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension was benificial.   Study Finds Higher Fat Variation of DASH Diet Beneficial (todaysdietitian.com)   https://www.todaysdietitian.com/news/032316_news.shtml

182cm male: I dropped from 84 kg to 72 kg then back up to 76 kg. Until I was 25 years I weighed less than 68 kg. Don't worry, you will gain weight. Being underweight used to be one of the classic symptoms of celiac disease.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and protein. Skip processed food. Your most important concern with Celiac Disease is vitamin status and not eating wheat, rye, and barley; not calories.

i agree - during my first 3 months i wasn’t gaining any weight but from months 4 to present i’ve gained 12 pounds and look and feel so much healthier - i also felt very hungry in the beginning - as long as ur eating clean and healthy you will see a gain in weight as you heal 

fllstuart77 Explorer
fllstuart77
Posted

I lost 7 pounds after going gluten free...   I only lost like 4 pounds while I was still eating gluten...  even gained 3 pounds while still eating gluten...

after 1 year gluten free still can't gain a pound...    my antibody levels have dropped to weak positive range..  7 points from normal...

Ivana Enthusiast
Ivana
Posted

Hello,

try to give it some more time.

I was always thin (175 cm, 60 kg). When I was diagnosed with celiac last year my weight went immediately down to 57, mostly from anxiety and no apetite. I also worried that there was something else wrong with me on top of celiac, so I started eating all the time (gluten free, of course) to "prove" that I can gain weight and that I am fine. For a few months nothing much happened and the scale would just not budge, but afterwards I started gaining weight and now at 62 kg I find myself having to watch what I eat, as I would like my weight to remain more or less the same as it has always been. Funny thing is that before I knew I was a celiac, if I ocassionally lost some weight (due to stress, being busy), I never thought anything of it, and was even happy to look "model like". But after my diagnosis, at 57 kg, my weight represented sickness to me and only made me worried, even though objectively it was not extremely thin and I felt fine strength and energy-wise.

GodsGal Community Regular
GodsGal
Posted

Hi!

Thanks for sharing your journey! 

I am not a medical professional. I agree with what everyone else has said. I would keep an eye on it. But, I think that what you are experiencing is pretty typical. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet.  Your main focus at this point should probably be on being gluten free. 

That being said, feel free to consult your doctor/dietitian. Especially if you are feeling anxious or concerned.

It takes time. Your body is healing and adjusting. 

Have you looked at non-food items in your home that may contain gluten? Prime examples would be toothpaste, medicines, lotions, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, shampoos, pet food, toasters, etc? Did you replace your toothbrush?

Going gluten free was really overwhelming for me when I first started. I tell people that it was like trying to get a drink of water from a fire hose! Seeing a counselor has really been beneficial for me. 

Hang in there, my friend. You can do this!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      14

      Ibuprofen

      Hi Colleen Are you supplementing B12/having injections? I have learned recently that sometimes when you start addressing a B12 deficiency, it can temporarily make your symptoms worse. But it is important not to stop the treatment. Regarding your problems with anxiety, again that is another symptom of a B12 deficiency. I didn't know...
    2. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      My only proof

      Hello still dancing around my celiac disease and not getting medically backed up considering Ive been glutenfree since 1994.All my ailments are the core issue of my ghost disease aka celiac disease. Im angery because the "celiac specialist " basically lightly dismissed me.Im extremely angery and fighting for a new primary care physician which is hard to do...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      still struggling with cravings

      I totally get this. It's absolutely a grieving process, and it's okay to feel gutted about the loss of those simple joys, especially at 18. Your feelings are completely valid—it's not about being ungrateful for your amazing boyfriend, it's about mourning the life you thought you'd have. That "tortured by the smell" feeling is so real. It does get easier, ...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Oh my goodness medication causing pain !!!!

      Many of us with celiac find that the fillers in medications can cause a reaction, and sometimes our bodies just process things weirdly. That "rebound muscle pain" and "burning feet" you described sounds awful and is a huge red flag. It's frustrating enough managing the diet without medication causing setbacks. So sorry you're dealing with this, but you're...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Me,Sue's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      It's so tough when you're doing everything right and still get hit with it. I'm glad you're figuring out a system that works for you—the peppermint tea and rehydration powders are smart moves. It sounds like you've really learned to listen to your body, and that's half the battle. Sticking to simple, safe food at home is the best way to build yourself back u...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,869
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Stacy W
    Newest Member
    Stacy W
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi Colleen Are you supplementing B12/having injections? I have learned recently that sometimes when you start addressing a B12 deficiency, it can temporarily make your symptoms worse.  But it is important not to stop the treatment.  Regarding your problems with anxiety, again that is another symptom of a B12 deficiency.   I didn't know what anxiety was until it hit me like a train several months before gastrointestinal issues began, so I can certainly relate.   Two books which helped me hugely were At Last A Life by Paul David (there is a website you can look up now for support) and The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs by Dr Steve Llardi.  Although his book is aimed at people who have depression, following the principals as set out in this book was so helpful in lessening my anxiety.  Llardi suggests that we will struggle if we don't have enough: - physical exercise - omega-3 fatty acids - natural sunlight exposure - restorative sleep - social connectedness - meaningful, engaging activity   That is not to stay you must stop taking medication for depression or anxiety if you have been prescribed it, but adopting the changes Dr Llardi sets out in the book should really help you to feel better. Can I just ask two more questions:  1) you say that you are B12 deficient, did they test your iron levels too?  If not, you really ought to be checked for deficiency and, 2) did they check your thyroid function, as an overactive thyroid can be cause rapid heartbeat and a lot of coeliacs have thyroid issues? Cristiana        
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Hello still dancing around my celiac disease and not getting medically backed up considering Ive been glutenfree since 1994.All my ailments are the core issue of my ghost disease aka celiac disease. Im angery because the "celiac specialist " basically lightly dismissed me.Im extremely angery and fighting for a new primary care physician which is hard to do in Northern Cali.So currently without and looking.Im angery that its lightly taken when its extremely serious to the one who has it.My only evidence is a brochure back in the days when I got news letters when I lived at my parents.It was published in 1998.I was diagnosed before any foods eliminated from my diet. Angery doctors don't take seriously when Im clearly speaking.I did write to the medicine of congress and have case number.
    • Scott Adams
      still struggling with cravings

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I totally get this. It's absolutely a grieving process, and it's okay to feel gutted about the loss of those simple joys, especially at 18. Your feelings are completely valid—it's not about being ungrateful for your amazing boyfriend, it's about mourning the life you thought you'd have. That "tortured by the smell" feeling is so real. It does get easier, I promise, but it's okay to sit in the sadness and just vent about how much it stings right now. Thanks for sharing that. Celiac.com has published a book on our site by Jean Duane PhD called Gluten-Centric Culture, which covers many of the social aspects of having celiac disease: This chapter in particular covers issues around eating with family and others - Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together:    
    • Scott Adams
      Oh my goodness medication causing pain !!!!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many of us with celiac find that the fillers in medications can cause a reaction, and sometimes our bodies just process things weirdly. That "rebound muscle pain" and "burning feet" you described sounds awful and is a huge red flag. It's frustrating enough managing the diet without medication causing setbacks. So sorry you're dealing with this, but you're definitely on the right track by connecting the dots. You can search this site for prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's so tough when you're doing everything right and still get hit with it. I'm glad you're figuring out a system that works for you—the peppermint tea and rehydration powders are smart moves. It sounds like you've really learned to listen to your body, and that's half the battle. Sticking to simple, safe food at home is the best way to build yourself back up. It's great you can take the time to rest properly. Thanks for sharing what works; it's a big help to others figuring this out too. This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.