The same routines that contribute to constipation can also be linked with weight gain. That said, constipation itself doesn’t produce lasting body fat increase.
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in several days, you might notice the number on the scale climb by a few pounds. This can be discouraging when you’re trying to slim down.
Wondering how constipation and weight changes are connected? Keep reading. We’ll outline how they relate and offer practical approaches to address the issue.
Can constipation cause weight gain?
Constipation does not produce true weight gain, though it can temporarily raise the number on the scale. Here’s why.
A conventional bathroom scale registers the mass of whatever is inside your body at that moment, including contents of the bowels and bladder. That figure can increase right after a large meal or after drinking several glasses of water, and it’s often higher in the evening than first thing in the morning. An elevated reading doesn’t automatically indicate added body fat or muscle.
The matter within your digestive tract still has weight and volume even after digestion is underway. Typical fecal matter weighs roughly 2.5 ounces to 1 pound, on average. For some individuals, this can amount to 3–5 pounds of stool retained daily.
If you’re constipated, the extra stool in your intestines can push the scale upward. But this is temporary. Unless you’re consistently gaining weight from a calorie surplus, the scale will drop after you pass stool completely.
Why does constipation cause weight gain?
Constipation is commonly described as having fewer than three full bowel movements per week.
Certain medical disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can provoke persistent constipation that’s hard to resolve even with lifestyle adjustments. Stress can also trigger constipation. Sometimes, constipation and weight gain stem from the same habits — for example, insufficient fluid intake or a lack of physical activity.
A diet high in low-fiber foods can lead to constipation and an accompanying rise on the scale. Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Both support digestion and regular bowel movements.
Not drinking enough water is a known cause of chronic constipation. Avoiding fluids because you fear a higher number on the scale is counterproductive; dehydration can cause serious problems and symptoms like lightheadedness and muscle cramps.
Being inactive can have the same effect. You don’t need to train like an athlete to gain benefits — aim to include some movement every day.
What can you do about weight gain that’s due to constipation?
Keep in mind that daily weight fluctuations are normal and don’t always reflect true weight gain. If constipation is temporarily increasing your scale reading, passing a full bowel movement will usually reduce the number.
Consuming more fiber-rich meals, upping fluid intake, and taking walks after eating may be sufficient to restore regularity. A warm cup of peppermint tea can also be soothing for digestion.
If these measures aren’t effective, you might try a fiber supplement or a laxative. Adhere to dosing recommendations and avoid overuse.
If you’re experiencing persistent weight gain, consulting a dietitian, nutrition expert, or other specialist could be helpful.
How can you avoid weight gain if you have constipation?
If chronic constipation is a concern and you want to prevent weight changes, consider:
- increasing your daily fluid consumption
- choosing foods with high water content, such as melon, celery, and pineapple
- eating fiber-rich foods, like oatmeal, apples, and cruciferous vegetables
- substituting some animal proteins, such as chicken, with plant proteins that contain fiber, like lentils
- raising your activity level, for example by walking after meals
- using an over-the-counter (OTC) fiber supplement
- trying an OTC laxative for short-term relief
- managing stress through deep breathing, meditation, or journaling
- practicing yoga poses that may relieve constipation
When to contact a doctor if you have constipation
Occasional constipation is common. However, long-term constipation can signal an underlying illness, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
If constipation lasts a week or longer, notify your healthcare provider. They can evaluate the cause and recommend treatments to ease your symptoms.
What are the other risk factors for gaining weight if you have constipation?
Reviewing your daily habits may reveal contributors to both constipation and weight gain. There are numerous possibilities to consider.
If you work mainly from home, you might be moving less overall. Walking to public transit, climbing stairs, or commuting are small activities that burn calories; cutting them out can reduce activity, potentially leading to constipation and weight gain.
Age and hormonal shifts can also influence both issues. Constipation commonly occurs during perimenopause and menopause, and research links changing hormone levels — including lower estrogen — with weight gain.
Keeping a log of your meals, mood, bowel habits, and activity can help you identify other contributing factors.
What’s the outlook for people who gain weight with constipation?
Weight increases related to constipation are usually reversible with lifestyle changes or appropriate medical care. With some investigation, you can often find the underlying causes and implement strategies that address both constipation and weight concerns.
Frequently asked questions
What bowel problems cause weight gain?
Research connects IBS with both weight gain and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis can also be associated with weight gain, though weight loss is more typical with that condition.
Can constipation cause a big belly?
Constipation can lead to gas and bloating, making your abdomen appear distended. This is uncomfortable, but it’s not the same as true weight gain.
How do you get rid of constipation weight?
Passing a full bowel movement is the main way to reduce weight tied to constipation. Increasing fluids and consuming a high-fiber meal may help.
Takeaway
Both constipation and weight gain can stem from lifestyle choices like low fiber intake and insufficient exercise. Certain medical conditions, such as IBS, can also contribute.
If weight gain is linked to ongoing constipation, improving activity levels and dietary habits may help. See a healthcare professional if constipation continues for more than a week.
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