Weight gain in ulcerative colitis: Explanations for the connection and strategies for shedding excess pounds
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, can present various challenges when it comes to weight management and bloating. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Weight gain is a common side effect of some UC medications, particularly corticosteroids. These drugs, often used during flares, can cause weight gain due to fluid retention and increased appetite. However, other treatments like Entyvio (vedolizumab) do not typically cause weight gain, though patients may regain weight lost during flares as their condition improves.
Infliximab (Remicade), a TNF-alpha inhibitor, is a common treatment for UC and may lead to weight gain, according to some evidence. A 2020 study found that 59% of people taking infliximab for Crohn's disease experienced weight gain within the first 6 weeks, and this increased to 76% within 12 months.
Bloating can result from the disease itself or gastrointestinal sensitivity, but specific drug-induced bloating is less commonly documented. Medications like semaglutide, not a standard ulcerative colitis treatment but sometimes used for weight management, can cause gastrointestinal side effects that mimic UC symptoms, potentially complicating symptom assessment.
Ulcerative colitis can sometimes lead to weight gain, especially due to issues with absorbing or digesting certain foods, constipation, changes in the gut's balance of bacteria, gut sensitivity, lactose intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Keeping a food diary can help a person monitor which foods may trigger or worsen a flare-up. Eating a well-balanced diet can be challenging due to flare-ups triggered by certain foods, but including low fiber fruits, lean protein, refined grains, and vegetables in the diet can help.
To help prevent weight gain, people with UC can eat a varied, nutritious diet, measure servings and manage portion sizes, avoid skipping meals, keep a food diary to monitor daily calorie intake and UC symptoms, stay hydrated, and get enough regular physical activity or exercise. However, symptoms of UC may make it difficult to exercise regularly. The American Heart Association recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.
It's important to note that in rare cases, bloating can be a result of toxic megacolon, a serious complication of severe UC. Toxic megacolon happens when gas becomes trapped due to inflammation in the colon and requires immediate medical attention.
When it comes to managing weight, a person's doctor can provide advice on ways to lose weight safely. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation recommends avoiding dairy products, sugary foods, high fat foods, alcoholic drinks, and certain trigger foods that may worsen a UC flare-up. Exercising is generally safe and beneficial for people with IBD, such as UC, according to a source.
In conclusion, while weight gain related to ulcerative colitis medication is mostly associated with corticosteroids, other treatments primarily affect disease control rather than directly causing weight or bloating changes. By maintaining a balanced diet, monitoring food intake, and staying active when possible, people with UC can manage their weight effectively. As always, consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
[1] Clinical trial data on Entyvio (vedolizumab) and weight gain: [Link to source] [2] Corticosteroids and weight gain: [Link to source] [3] Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and metabolic changes: [Link to source] [4] 2020 study on infliximab and weight gain: [Link to source] [5] Semaglutide and UC symptoms: [Link to source]
- Ulcerative colitis medications, particularly corticosteroids, are known to cause weight gain due to fluid retention and increased appetite.
- A study found that 59% of people taking infliximab for Crohn's disease experienced weight gain within the first 6 weeks, with this increasing to 76% within 12 months.
- Bloating can be a result of the disease, gastrointestinal sensitivity, or certain medications, but drug-induced bloating is less commonly documented.
- Ulcerative colitis can lead to weight gain due to issues with food absorption, constipation, changes in gut bacteria, lactose intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome.
- To prevent weight gain, a person can eat a varied, nutritious diet, manage portion sizes, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity.
- In rare cases, bloating could be a sign of toxic megacolon, a serious complication of severe UC that requires immediate medical attention.
