Does Endometriosis Cause Weight Gain: Detangling the Mystery
Endometriosis is a common problem affecting 10 percent of females aged 15 to 44.
If you or your loved one is also suffering from it, weight gain can be an emerging concern.
It is not known if Endometriosis is a direct factor affecting weight gain, but several women report putting on weight with Endometriosis.
So, does Endometriosis cause weight gain, or is it a misinterpretation?
This article aims to reveal the truth by explaining the impact of Endometriosis on weight and also exploring ways to manage the fluctuations.
Can Endometriosis cause weight gain
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissues grow outside the uterine lining, causing pain and discomfort.
It is true that Endometriosis can contribute to weight gain.
Several factors, ranging from hormones to treatment options for Endometriosis, are responsible for weight changes.
Hormonal imbalance
It is known that hormonal changes are a risk factor for weight gain.
They can affect appetite and energy use, which can add some extra pounds to your weight.
A similar effect can be observed due to Endometriosis.
It occurs due to Estrogen hormone, which is the reason for the thickening of the endometrium.
High Estrogen production is a characteristic of Endometriosis.
An additional effect of increased Estrogen is fluid retention, which is responsible for bloating.
This can lead to weight gain and add extra inches to the waist due to a fuller or bloated stomach.
To know more about its impact on weight, read Abnormal Estrogen and Weight Gain: How Are They Connected?
Endo belly
Endo belly is a symptom of Endometriosis characterized by excessive bloating.
It is more severe than normal bloating, causes more discomfort, and lasts longer.
Since the bloating is so extreme, it can cause weight gain.
A study by Stephen Norman Sullivan found that about 40 percent of people suffering from bloating gain about 10 pounds annually.
So, an endo belly can present a possibility of weight gain directly due to Endometriosis.
Medications
Certain medicines used to treat Endometriosis or relieve its symptoms can cause weight gain.
One such option is hormonal birth control, which includes oral contraceptives and IUDs.
These can cause weight gain due to increased appetite or fluid retention.
A 2019 study revealed that if the treatment is focused on Progesterone-only options, weight gain was observed as a side effect.
Endometriosis surgery
Sometimes, Endometriosis does not improve with medicines, and surgery is required.
It can be the case when ovarian endometriomas are larger than 4 cm.
In such situations, two surgical options are available: Laparoscopy and Hysterectomy.
However, weight gain after Endometriosis surgery can be a side effect.
Laparoscopic surgery, especially the one performed for weight loss, can cause weight gain in 2 to 5 years after surgery.
Similarly, a study by Patricia G. Moorman found that women who had Hysterectomy experienced a weight gain of about 3 pounds.
Other factors
Chronic pain caused by Endometriosis can be responsible for weight gain.
It can cause depression, which may deplete physical activity, inducing weight gain.
Moreover, poor sleep, which is common for those who have Endometriosis, can affect hormonal balance and appetite.
So, it can also result in weight gain.
Management of Endometriosis weight gain
Losing weight while managing your Endometriosis can be a daunting task.
Still, it is better to begin with small steps to gain larger benefits in the future.
The usual weight loss plan includes exercise and a good diet to facilitate the weight loss.
While Endometriosis might not let you lose weight easily, slight modifications to diet and exercise can work for you.
Diet
On the diet front, the meals must be inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Fiber-rich food would be great for gastrointestinal distress due to Endometriosis.
So, adding beans, berries, and leafy green vegetables will go easy on you while facilitating weight loss.
Do note that consumption of food rich in trans fat has a higher tendency to worsen your weight loss process as well as the disease.
One of the problems that might occur due to such food is endo belly, which is directly related to inflammationc and bloating.
Therefore, it is suggested to avoid food items that make you unwell after consumption.
Alongside, you might have to cut down on red meat, dairy, alcohol, gluten, and caffeine.
Doing so will help your bloating while also proving beneficial for bowel movements and constipation.
Exercise
Since exercise also has a crucial part to play in your weight loss, this aspect cannot be skipped.
On a general note, 150 minutes of moderate activity each week is a necessity for adults to be healthy.
Now, intensive exercise reps and workouts might not suit your condition.
So, it is best to include a sport you like in your regular workout.
You may gradually mend yourself to intense workouts, but keep an eye out for your aggravating pelvis pain.
Conclusion
Endometriosis can cause weight gain due to bloating and hormonal imbalance.
Its treatment options, such as birth control pills and surgeries, also present a possibility of putting on weight.
Once you notice the changes, managing the weight can be a challenge due to the discomfort, pain, and other additional challenges of Endometriosis.
In such cases, getting back to the basics of a healthy diet and exercise can help.
Eating leafy greens and fiber-rich foods and avoiding those with trans fat can prove beneficial.
With moderate physical activity for 150 minutes a week, you can your manage weight and improve the overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Endometriosis make you gain weight?
Endometriosis can cause weight fluctuations. You can gain weight due to high levels of Estrogen. Moreover, the treatment options for Endometriosis, like birth control pills, Laparoscopy, and Hysterectomy, can also cause weight gain as a side effect.
Why does Endometriosis cause weight gain and how can I stop it?
Endometriosis can cause weight gain due to hormonal imbalances and treatment options like birth control pills and surgeries. You can manage them by including fiber-rich foods in your diet and avoiding foods with trans fats. Moderate physical activity for 150 minutes weekly can also control and reduce weight gain.
Will I lose weight after removing Endometriosis?
Removing Endometriosis tissue through surgical options available can induce weight gain instead of weight loss. Studies have shown that with Laparoscopy and Hysterectomy, women tend to gain weight. However, some women may observe slight weight loss and less bloating after removing the tissue.
Is it hard to lose weight if you have Endometriosis?
It can be hard to lose weight with Endometriosis because the treatment options like medicines and surgeries contribute to putting on weight. The pain and bloating are additional factors that make it hard to shed extra inches. However, a fiber-rich diet and moderate physical activity can effectively manage weight.
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