UC symptoms include diarrhea, blood in the stool, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, and rectal bleeding, in addition to weight fluctuations.
Fatigue, fever, nausea, and vomiting are all possible side effects.
We look at the probable causes of weight increase in people with UC in this post. We also go through how persons with UC can, if necessary, shed weight.
Weight increase is a risk factor for people with UC.
A person with UC may gain weight due to a variety of circumstances. According to a 2016 study, 15–40% of persons with IBD are also obese.
UC does not always lead to weight increase, according to researchers, who claim that there is "no recognized relationship" between IBD and obesity. Many factors related to UC, such as specific drugs used by doctors to manage the condition, might induce weight gain.
People may grab for more convenient and less healthy foods during a UC flare, resulting in weight gain. Flares may also cause a person to engage in less physical activity, which may contribute to weight gain.
Furthermore, some data suggests that IBD and obesity may share environmental risk factors.
Is it true that UC causes weight gain?
Although many people think of UC as a disease that causes weight loss, it can also cause weight gain in certain people. This is due to a variety of factors, including:
A lack of physical activity
When their symptoms are escalating, some people may find it difficult to push themselves to exercise.
While persons with UC should continue to exercise on a regular basis, lower energy levels may hinder them from doing so. During a flare, healthcare providers might recommend the best types of exercise to try.
Medications
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are anti-inflammatory drugs.
Weight gain is a possible side effect of prednisone and other corticosteroids. Weight gain might persist long after a person stops taking the medicine, and reversing it can be difficult.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha medicines, for example, have been linked to weight increase in patients with UC.
Tips on how to lose weight if you have UC
There is no single meal or regimen that will help everyone who has gained weight due to UC reduce weight. The following weight-loss recommendations, on the other hand, may assist people in maintaining a healthy weight.
Maintain a balanced diet.
People who have UC should consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes items like:
Fruits and veggies: People should try a variety of fruits and vegetables, and if they cause a flare, remove the peel and seeds.
Whole grains, legumes, almonds, oat bran, and barley are examples of fiber-rich diets. These foods are undesirable for those who have an ostomy or have narrowed intestines, and they should be avoided if a doctor has recommended a low-fiber diet.
Milk, yogurt, kefir, lactose-free dairy products, and collard greens are examples of calcium-rich foods.
Protein-rich foods include lean meats, fish, tofu, nuts, and eggs.
Foods that are high in probiotics include yogurt, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.
When someone is having a flare, they may be able to eat moderate portions of the following foods:
Fruits with low fiber content
fish, poultry, soy, and eggs are all good sources of lean protein.
Sourdough, white pasta, potatoes, and oatmeal are examples of refined grains.
vegetables that have been fully cooked and are free of seeds and skin
The following are some of the diets that a person may want to discuss with a healthcare professional:
The Mediterranean diet, often known as the anti-inflammatory diet or IBD-AID, is a type of diet that focuses on reducing inflammation.
omega-3 enhanced meals in the Paleolithic diet
diets that are semi-vegetarian
Diets based on fasting
Some persons with UC may suffer from malnutrition as a result of their bodies' inability to absorb all of the vitamins and minerals they consume. Any significant dietary modifications should be discussed with a healthcare expert in this case.
Stock up on items that are both nutritious and easy.
For the sake of convenience, people with UC may eat unhealthy "junk" foods rather than seeking out healthier alternatives.
Stocking cabinets and refrigerators with quick, nutritious, and pleasurable foods can assist people in making healthier food choices and discourage them from nibbling on unhealthy foods.
Keep trigger foods to a minimum.
Researchers have shown that some meals are more likely than others to provoke a flare in someone with UC. Some of these foods, particularly ones high in sugar and fat, can help you gain weight.
People with UC can avoid weight gain and flares by decreasing their intake of high-sugar, high-fat foods.
Consider a gluten-free diet.
Some people with IBD find that eliminating gluten helps them feel better. However, there is currently no research to back up this assertion. Furthermore, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, gluten-free items frequently have a higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain.
Make sure you get lots of water.
People can feel fuller and eat less calories by drinking a glass of water approximately half an hour before meals. According to an older study from 2009, persons who drink water before meals can lose up to 44 percent more weight than those who don't.
This practice is particularly advantageous since, due to the loss of fluids caused by diarrhea, it is critical for persons with UC to stay hydrated.
Slowly chew
Chewing more slowly and completely ensures that food is broken down before it reaches the stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) system, as well as affording the brain time to identify satiety.
People with UC are less prone to create air pockets into their GI tract when they chew slowly, which can produce gas and pain.
Exercise on a regular basis
Adults should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical exercise per week to lose weight or maintain a moderate weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.
A short daily stroll may assist people in losing weight and preventing weight gain. Sleep, memory, and the ability to think and learn can all benefit from regular physical activity.
Other weight-loss suggestions
The following are some other weight-loss strategies:
Reducing alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol might increase UC symptoms and weight gain. People who drink alcohol may find that lowering their intake is a simple approach to reduce their calorie intake.
People can cut down on their portion sizes by switching to a side plate instead of a dinner plate. A little plate gives the appearance of a full plate while reducing portion size.
Taking actions to enhance sleep hygiene: Getting sufficient sleep might aid weight loss. Low-quality sleep, is a risk factor for weight growth.
Although most people do not equate UC with weight gain, it is not uncommon for the illness to cause this. People with UC may need to keep track of their weight to avoid weight loss or gain as a result of the disease.
Because of their medications, some patients with UC may be unable to reduce weight. When their symptoms flare up, some may find it difficult to get adequate exercise.
People with UC might strive to shed weight if necessary by:
consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet
having healthy snacks on hand and avoiding trigger foods
attempting a gluten-free diet
drinking plenty of water
slowly digesting foods
engaging in regular activity
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for minimizing the chance of acquiring a variety of other health problems.
