Consequences and Safety Measures of Excess Weight, along with Recommendations for Weight Reduction
In the world of Ulcerative Colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), managing one's health involves more than just controlling symptoms. One unexpected challenge that some individuals with UC face is weight gain.
UC, characterized by inflammation and ulcers inside the inner lining of the intestine, often leads to decreased appetite and weight loss due to inflammation, diarrhea, and malabsorption. However, weight gain can occur as a side effect of treatment and related psychological factors.
Medication side effects, particularly steroids like prednisone, play a significant role in weight gain. These drugs increase appetite and cause fat redistribution, leading to weight gain even after stopping the medication. Some biologics, such as certolizumab pegol, may also cause swelling and weight gain.
Psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression, which are common in UC patients, can lead to increased eating behaviors like binge eating, comfort eating, or impulse eating, contributing to weight gain. The disruption of the gut-brain axis and inflammation may further influence appetite and eating behaviors.
Caitlin, a person with UC, shares her personal experience. She finds it difficult to stick to a routine due to her desire to socialize, but she tries to maintain a routine to avoid experiencing symptoms. Caitlin also exercises regularly to improve her physical and mental health.
To manage weight gain, Caitlin and many others adopt various strategies. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly ensures that the body breaks down food before it reaches the stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Cutting down on alcohol, reducing plate size, and improving sleep hygiene are other strategies that may help someone with UC lose weight.
According to health guidelines, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity each week to lose weight or maintain a moderate weight.
When experiencing a flare, a person may tolerate moderate portion sizes of low fiber fruits, lean protein, refined grains, and fully cooked vegetables that do not contain seeds or skin. Some people with IBD find that cutting out gluten may improve their symptoms, although no research currently proves this claim.
It's important to note that UC itself does not necessarily cause weight gain, but certain factors related to the condition may contribute to weight gain. Flares may also lead to a person participating in less physical activity, which may contribute to weight gain.
Researchers have found that some foods may be more likely to cause a flare in people with UC, including those high in sugar and fat. Some evidence suggests possible shared environmental risk factors between IBD and obesity. Other medications used to treat UC, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs, may also have links to weight gain.
In summary, medication side effects (especially steroids), psychological factors like anxiety or depression, and changes in appetite regulation due to gut-brain axis disruption are the key contributors to weight gain in some individuals with ulcerative colitis. It's crucial for those with UC to be aware of these factors and take proactive steps to manage their weight and overall health.
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- Ulcerative Colitis (UC), despite causing weight loss due to decreased appetite and malabsorption, can result in weight gain as a side effect of treatment and related psychological factors.
- Medication side effects, such as steroids and some biologics, are significant contributors to weight gain in individuals with UC, increasing appetite and causing fat redistribution.
- Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and altered eating behaviors due to the gut-brain axis disruption can lead to weight gain in UC patients.
- To manage weight gain, strategies like chewing food slowly, reducing alcohol consumption, cutting down on plate size, and improving sleep hygiene are employed by individuals with UC.
- Maintaining physical activity is essential for weight management in UC patients, with guidelines suggesting at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week.
- During flare-ups, UC patients may find it helpful to stick to moderate portion sizes of low fiber fruits, lean protein, refined grains, and fully cooked vegetables to manage symptoms, while some also report improvements by cutting out gluten.
- Research has shown that changes in diet, particularly foods high in sugar and fat, may increase the likelihood of UC flares, and certain medications used to treat UC, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs, are linked to weight gain.
