Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • 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

Weight Gain

swbailey

By swbailey
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

swbailey Apprentice
swbailey
Posted

I am newly diagnosed with celiac disease, so to say the least I have quite a few questions. I have seen that prior to going gluten-free some people lose weight while others gain weight, and the same thing happens after going gluten-free. I am curious to hear from those that gained weight prior to going to a gluten-free diet if you lost weight, stayed the same, or gained some more weight. I personally have gained weight prior to my diagnosis, and I am basically hoping that I will lose that additional weight that I have put on.

Thank you for all your input!

Wendy

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Wendy, first of all welcome to the board.

I was one of the gainers, inexorably over the undiagnosed years and never able to figure out why because everyone around me always seemed to eat more than I did. Often I couldn't eat even because I was so gassy.

One of the greatest joys of being gluten free has been the weight loss, not dramatic but faster than I ever put it on. I used to gain 5-10 lbs a year. In the year since going gluten-free I have lost 44 lbs while not altering the amount of food I eat (and certainly not intentionally).

I hope this happens for you too. Good luck

henny Explorer
henny
Posted

I too suffered unexplained weight gain in the years prior to going gluten-free when I was suffering symptoms. The last 2 months before going gluten-free I was so sick every day that I lost about 25lbs. When I went gluten-free my symptoms went away and I expected to gain the weight back.....

But I didn't. In fact, I've continued to lose weight very slowly. I chalk it up to two things:

1) my metabolism is faster now. my body temp is up 2 degrees and I feel warm instead of constantly cold. Also the improvement in my health has allowed me to be much more active.

2) I didn't substitute! I don't eat gluten free bread...it's only a treat and not more than once a week. I don't bake gluten free goodies and I limit my gluten free cereals to not more than 3x per week. Instead I eat raw fruits and veggies. I believe that substituting gluten-free grains leads to weight gain, so I am choosing a different lifestyle to keep the weight off and keep my blood sugar on an even keel.

So, I believe that some weight loss is natural as your thyroid and energy heal to normalcy.

However, you will also probably need to work to lose the weight and not fall into the traps of high-glycemic-index Gluten Free grain products. There's no magic bullet, but I have found that losing weight after healing is easy compared to how it was before going gluten-free. Before I could fast for days and not lose a pound. Low metabolism, inactivity (because I felt like doo-dee), and constpation made it impossible to move that darned bathroom scale. Now it's easy if I try my best.

good luck! It's all worth it!

henny Explorer
henny
Posted

I forgot to mention that in my experience, my hunger is totally different now that I am gluten-free. I used to have a gnawing hunger and carb cravings all the time before, even though I would get sick every time I ate I still wanted to eat!

Now I really have no strong hunger, and definitely no inappropriate hunger. Cravings are almost nonexistent. It's easy to eat small portions now - I get full and my eyes are no longer bigger than my stomach 90% of the time.

swbailey Apprentice
swbailey
Posted
  • Author
Wendy, first of all welcome to the board.

I was one of the gainers, inexorably over the undiagnosed years and never able to figure out why because everyone around me always seemed to eat more than I did. Often I couldn't eat even because I was so gassy.

One of the greatest joys of being gluten free has been the weight loss, not dramatic but faster than I ever put it on. I used to gain 5-10 lbs a year. In the year since going gluten-free I have lost 44 lbs while not altering the amount of food I eat (and certainly not intentionally).

I hope this happens for you too. Good luck

Thanks guys for the posts! I am already starting to feel a little better, with a little energy so I am thrilled about that! And I am eating better, and now that I am gaining energy then I will be able to exercise again! So I am hoping that I will lose the weight as well. And I really felt cold all the time as well, and I did not know that could be part of this as well. The more I read the more I see other symptoms that tie into celiac disease!

Thanks again!

Wendy

henny Explorer
henny
Posted

I hear ya!

It sounds like your experience is a lot like mine, in which case you should see the pounds melt away as you feel better and better!

so glad you are healing!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,265
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    V Arnold
    Newest Member
    V Arnold
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

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



  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • RMJ
      Kan-101

      By RMJ · Posted

      It is more likely code for “we think there really was a good response to the treatment, but it was small or in a small percent of subjects so it would take a large clinical trial to try to prove it.”
    • Dana0207
      Celiac symptoms

      By Dana0207 · Posted

      Thank you so much for your replies. Luckily the rash went away when I completely swore off gluten. It took several months but I have not had a flare in months. So a biopsy is no longer possible. The itch was terrible and apart from bleaching my skin the steroid lotions and potions did nothing. The Gliadin is for accidents and shall be a part of my travel kit from now on. This past exposure has made a me a little leery about eating anything that was not cooked in my kitchen or a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. As much as I used to love baked goods, I am cured and have become quite the gluten free baker to the point that friends and family forget that my cakes/cookies/and bread are not "real". I guess I will have to wait for the new blood test to come out to get confirmation but I have a suspicion that the rash was dermatitis herpetiformis.
    • Jmartes71
      Nateral remedies

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Hello, I just wanted to share with the frustration of skin issues and seeing dermatologist and medications not working for years, I did my own healing experiment. As of last week I have been taking a drop internally under the tongue of Vetiver and putting on topically on sores Yellow/Pom.I am seeing a extreme difference at a rapid time.Im also noticing my nails a little harder. Ive always been into natural properties because I feel its safer for the body.I know short time, but really seeing a difference. I also feel the the trapped gases that causes bloating helps break down as well.Curious if any body else can benefit from and has tried. Products is made by Doterra by Dr Hill
    • Scott Adams
      Is Caputo gluten free flour really free of gluten?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      We have a category of articles on this topic if you really want to dive into it: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/miscellaneous-information-on-celiac-disease/gluten-free-diet-celiac-disease-amp-codex-alimentarius-wheat-starch/
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac symptoms

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I agree with @trents, and the rash you described, especially its location and resistance to steroids, sounds highly characteristic of dermatitis herpetiformis, which is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. The severe and prolonged reaction you're describing five days after a small exposure is, while extreme, not unheard of for those with a high sensitivity; the systemic inflammatory response can absolutely last for several days or even weeks, explaining why you still don't feel right. Your plan to avoid a formal gluten challenge is completely understandable given the severity of your reactions, and many choose the same path for their well-being. While experiences with GliadinX (they are a sponsor here) are mixed, some people do report a reduction in the severity of their symptoms when taken with accidental gluten, though it is crucial to remember it is not a cure or a license to eat gluten and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. For now, the absolute best advice is to continue being hyper-vigilant about cross-contamination—buffets are notoriously high-risk, even with good intentions. Connecting with a gastroenterologist and a dermatologist who specialize in celiac disease is essential for navigating diagnosis and management moving forward. Wishing you a swift recovery from this last exposure. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
×
×
  • Create New...