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

Can An Overweight Person Have Celiac Disease?

lharper

Recommended Posts

lharper Newbie
lharper
Posted

So, my 6 yo daughter was diagnosed with Celiac in November 2008. Because of this I certainly I have a lot more knowledge about the disease than I ever did previously. I have been having some very severe gastrointestinal symptoms, along with other unexplained symptoms including muscle and joint aches, headaches, total lack of energy etc for probably 3 years now. However, I am overweight and most of what I have read states weight loss, not weight gain, is a possible sign of Celiac. I am considering having a Celiac screen done, but was just wondering if there is anyone out there who has been diagnosed while overweight. Thanks!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

Simple answer -- yes. Happens frequently.

richard

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

What Richard said . . . and . . .

I am considering having a Celiac screen done . . .

If someone in a family has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, there is a much higher chance that additional family members are at risk for having it or developing it later in life (due to the genetic/hereditary component of the disease).

My daughter's GI recommended that our whole family be screened (siblings & parents). Throw in your symptoms and there is all kinds of justification for getting some blood work done.

TiffLuvsBread Rookie
TiffLuvsBread
Posted

The weight loss thing may be an indicator, because your body cannot absorb nutrients and basically starves itself. However, because of this same reason, you can end up with a severely distended stomach and not lose weight - just look puffy everywhere. For years we always thought my dad was overweight with a big belly. As soon as he went gluten-free, he lost the ENTIRE belly and gained exponentially more energy so he was better able and healthier to work out more at the gym - so all the weight came completely off. Now he is a 67 year old man who looks like a 50 year old athlete, but has the energy of a 30 year old athlete. He is very active and in amazing shape. Before he was overweight, had a heart and cholesterol condition, had a heart attack, had no energy and could barely swim and nearly drowned once (due to energy - not skill). Every single one of those reversed when he changed his diet. It is like a different man. He got so many years back.

For me, I am 5'8" and 120lbs, fit/thin build and I was skinny all through childhood. After going gluten-free I haven't had any weight change issues other than gaining a few pounds of lean muscle because my body is better able to absorb nutrients and I have more energy.

I would never look at an overweight person and tell them there is no way they have Celiac or gluten intolerance because of their weight. I think the way you feel and the symptoms you have is way more of an indicator - and remember all symptoms are symptoms you MAY experience. All of us on here have different symptoms. Even me and my dad - we are related by blood and have the same condition and do not experience it in exactly the same way.

So don't rule it out. Consider you may have it, but you may have some other condition going on as well which you should also not rule out.

Good luck :)

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

I believe the percentage of overweight persons with celiac disease is 34% of total persons with celiac disease. I am one. I am self diagnosed and when I finally was able to see my dr, he gave me that look. You know the one, you are not skinny, I doubt you have celiac disease.

It's likely you could have it. Your child inherited it from someone.

chasbari Apprentice
chasbari
Posted
So, my 6 yo daughter was diagnosed with Celiac in November 2008. Because of this I certainly I have a lot more knowledge about the disease than I ever did previously. I have been having some very severe gastrointestinal symptoms, along with other unexplained symptoms including muscle and joint aches, headaches, total lack of energy etc for probably 3 years now. However, I am overweight and most of what I have read states weight loss, not weight gain, is a possible sign of Celiac. I am considering having a Celiac screen done, but was just wondering if there is anyone out there who has been diagnosed while overweight. Thanks!

Excellent answers from everyone else. My experience was that I was skinny as a kid, worked hard to gain weight through my teens, started putting on excess weight later on, lots of joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis and eventual digestive issues and finally a diagnosis this past February. Once gluten free and paleo I lost weight drastically and started gaining muscle again as my body started being able to absorb nutrients. I takes time though and everyone reacts differently. I think that makes it frustrating for medical people as it is not only hard to diagnose, but also hard to predict how the body will respond to proper treatment. The more you understand going absolutely gluten-free I think the better you will respond. I tried to go normal gluten-free with all the extra treats and alternate grains and only got less sick. It was only after going radically paleo that real health returned for me.

LDJofDenver Apprentice
LDJofDenver
Posted

Yes, indeed. More than I realized. I was skinny as a kid, but at diagnosis (in my 50s) a good 25 lbs overweight.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


lharper Newbie
lharper
Posted
  • Author
I am self diagnosed and when I finally was able to see my dr, he gave me that look. You know the one, you are not skinny, I doubt you have celiac disease.

I think that's what I am a little afraid of.. haha. I don't want to feel stupid by asking for a test and have the doctor give me that look. -lol- I definitely think I need to get tested though. Even if it isn't Celiac, it would be good to rule it out.

Thanks everyone for the responses! Definitely gave me the push I need to get the test.

juliasmith Newbie
juliasmith
Posted

yes it can

nasalady Contributor
nasalady
Posted
So, my 6 yo daughter was diagnosed with Celiac in November 2008. Because of this I certainly I have a lot more knowledge about the disease than I ever did previously. I have been having some very severe gastrointestinal symptoms, along with other unexplained symptoms including muscle and joint aches, headaches, total lack of energy etc for probably 3 years now. However, I am overweight and most of what I have read states weight loss, not weight gain, is a possible sign of Celiac. I am considering having a Celiac screen done, but was just wondering if there is anyone out there who has been diagnosed while overweight. Thanks!

Yes, many of us are overweight rather than underweight.....please see the following threads on this forum for more info:

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=59617

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=183

JoAnn :)

nora-n Rookie
nora-n
Posted
Open Original Shared Link here it says 5% are underweight and 39% overweight. Print it out for your doctor. Mine refuses to hear or read anything, he says only severely underweight people can possibly have celiac.

Archived

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

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. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      @rei.b, I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be. I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse. My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet. It makes a big difference. Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies. So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms...
    2. captaincrab55
      - captaincrab55 replied to lmemsm's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Finding gluten free ingredients

      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal. My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet. I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free...
    3. rei.b
      - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      Okay well the info about TTG-A actually makes a lot of sense and I wish the PA had explained that to me. But yes, I would assume I would have intestinal damage from eating a lot of gluten for 32 years while having all these symptoms. As far as avoiding gluten foods - I was definitely not doing that. Bread, pasta, quesadillas (with flour tortillas) and...
    4. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      So you're saying that you think you should have severe intestinal damage since you've had the symptoms so long? DGP IgG antibodies are produced in response to a partial gluten molecule. This is different than what tissue transglutaminase antibodies are produced in response to. TTg IgA antibodies are produced in the intestines in response to...
    5. rei.b
      - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      I was tested for celiac at the same time, so I wasn't taking naltrexone yet. I say that, because I don't. The endoscopy showed some mild inflammation but was inconclusive as to celiac disease. They took several biopsies and that's all that was shown. I was not given a Marsh score.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,130
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Tony White
    Newest Member
    Tony White
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @rei.b,  I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be.  I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse.  My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet.  It makes a big difference.   Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies.  So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms and reveals the underlying discomfort.  SIBO can cause digestive symptoms.  SIBO can prevent vitamins from being absorbed by the intestines.  Thiamine insufficiency causes Gastrointestinal Beriberi (bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation).  Thiamine is the B vitamin that runs out first because it can only be stored for two weeks.  We need more thiamine when we're sick or under emotional stress.  Gastric Beriberi is under recognised by doctors.  An Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test is more accurate than a blood test for thiamine deficiency, but the best way to see if you're low in thiamine is to take it and look for health improvement.  Don't take Thiamine Mononitrate because the body can't utilize it well.  Try Benfotiamine.  Thiamine is water soluble, nontoxic and safe even at high doses.  I thought it was crazy, too, but simple vitamins and minerals are important.  The eight B vitamins work together, so a B Complex, Benfotiamine,  magnesium and Vitamin D really helped get my body to start healing, along with the AIP diet.  Once you heal, you add foods back in, so the AIP diet is worth doing for a few months. I do hope you'll consider the AIP diet and Benfotiamine.
    • captaincrab55
      Finding gluten free ingredients

      By captaincrab55 · Posted

      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal.   My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet.  I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free foods tagged, next to the price.  The gluten-free tags opened up a  lot of foods that aren't actually marked gluten-free by the manufacture.  Now I only need to check for my other dietary restrictions.  Where my son lives in New Hartford, New York there's a Hannaford Supermarket that also has a gluten-free tag next to the price tag.  Hopefully you can locate a Supermarket within a reasonable travel distance that you can learn what foods to check out at a Supermarket close to you.  I have dermatitis herpetiformis too and I'm very sensitive to gluten and the three stores I named were very gluten-free friendly.  Good Luck 
    • rei.b
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By rei.b · Posted

      Okay well the info about TTG-A actually makes a lot of sense and I wish the PA had explained that to me. But yes, I would assume I would have intestinal damage from eating a lot of gluten for 32 years while having all these symptoms. As far as avoiding gluten foods - I was definitely not doing that. Bread, pasta, quesadillas (with flour tortillas) and crackers are my 4 favorite foods and I ate at least one of those things multiple times a day e.g. breakfast with eggs and toast, a cheese quesadilla for lunch, and pasta for dinner, and crackers and cheese as a before bed snack. I'm not even kidding.  I'm not really big on sugar, so I don't really do sweets. I don't have any of those conditions.  I am not sure if I have the genes or not. When the geneticist did my genetic testing for EDS this year, I didn't think to ask for him to request the celiac genes so they didn't test for them, unfortunately.  I guess another expectation I had is  that if gluten was the issue, the gluten-free diet would make me feel better, and I'm 3 months in and that hasn't been the case. I am being very careful and reading every label because I didn't want to screw this up and have to do gluten-free for longer than necessary if I end up not having celiac. I'm literally checking everything, even tea and anything else prepacked like caramel dip. Honestly its making me anxious 😅
    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      So you're saying that you think you should have severe intestinal damage since you've had the symptoms so long?   DGP IgG antibodies are produced in response to a partial gluten molecule.  This is different than what tissue transglutaminase antibodies are  produced in response to.   TTg IgA antibodies are produced in the intestines in response to gluten.  The tTg IgA antibodies attack our own cells because a structural component in our cell membranes resembles a part of gluten.  There's a correlation between the level of intestinal damage with the level of tTg antibodies produced.  You are not producing a high number of tTg IgA antibodies, so your level of tissue damage in your intestines is not very bad.  Be thankful.   There may be reasons why you are not producing a high quantity of tTg IgA antibodies.  Consuming ten grams or more of gluten a day for two weeks to two months before blood tests are done is required to get sufficient antibody production and damage to the intestines.  Some undiagnosed people tend to subconsciously avoid lots of gluten.  Cookies and cakes do not contain as much gluten as artisan breads and thick chewy pizza crust.  Anemia, diabetes and thiamine deficiency can affect IgA antibody production as well.   Do you carry genes for Celiac?  They frequently go along with EDS.
    • rei.b
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By rei.b · Posted

      I was tested for celiac at the same time, so I wasn't taking naltrexone yet. I say that, because I don't. The endoscopy showed some mild inflammation but was inconclusive as to celiac disease. They took several biopsies and that's all that was shown. I was not given a Marsh score.
×
×
  • 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.