Comments on: Weighty Matters-Physical and Psychological Impact-Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:44:40 +0000

Hi Joe,

At this point I’d definitely follow up with your doc to see if there is anything else going on. With a paleo diet, you are already eliminating most of the common problems, but you just never know. You may also have to tighten that up to 100% compliance with the autoimmune version of paleo, or try something like the GAPS diet even. Definitely follow up with your doc though.

By: Joe Bernard

Joe Bernard — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:40:50 +0000

I’ve experienced, and have been experiencing, the weight loss symptoms you described. However, I eat paleo 90% of the time and rarely cheat with gluten (have been doing so since 2008). I’ve lost ~20lbs four times now in the past three years and am at a low weight again. I’m 5’10 128lbs and 22years old. I find I have no appetite at times and can see undigested food in my feces. How come I still have this problem after being largely GF for awhile?

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:19:10 +0000

Hi there, and welcome!
Glad the “why” helped a bit, although it doesn’t change anything, sometimes an explanation is helpful.
To your question, it is a question of just do it-to a point.
With any weight/fat loss regime, you have to include both dietary changes and exercise, and do it at a level that is realistic and sustainable-FOR YOU. That will vary person to person. The best plan is the one you will stick with long term, because that is what it will take. Both an eating plan and exercise plan.
Think about what your motivators are, and what you can do to use that to your advantage. For example, in my case, I am not terribly competitive with others, but I am very competitive with myself. So I keep very careful records of my training and always strive to improve. Performance based goals are also really helpful, because if you focus on performance, often aesthetic improvements come along with it.
As far as it requiring more when it comes to weight control and celiac disease, it does require more of one thing that many of us, myself included, are in short supply of. That is patience.
Be patient and kind to yourself, celebrate the small victories, and enjoy the process. You’ll get there. The trick is making the road fun and easy to continue on.

By: N. Wrigley

N. Wrigley — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:31:45 +0000

Was diagnosed in June/2010 but now have gained the dreaded 15lbs and don’t need it to be anymore. Already have to lose 40lbs to begin with…uugghh! So now I am entering into the stage of constant hunger. Which I will be honest is really concerning me, thanks for answer as to WHY this might be happening. Now I just need to learn how to work with it and get past it. Is it just a matter of “just do it” like the Nike commercial says and get off the couch for cardio/strenth training for 5x a week or because we have this condition is it going to require more?

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:36:34 +0000

Hi Phyllis!
OK-DON’T PANIC!
You will be fine. It is OK.
Your diagnosis is a good thing-now you can move forward. First take a deep breath.
Having celiac disease does not, by any stretch, mean you are destined to have difficulty losing weight. It just gives you some different guidelines on what to eat-and really that can be easier after all. So, first I’d follow up with your doctor, make sure there are no other conditions you may be dealing with hormonally, any other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders or other intestinal issues/food intolerance.
Then, make sure you are eliminating gluten. Naturally gluten free whole foods are easiest-meats, veggies, fruits, etc. Start increasing your activity level-move more. Walk. Remember that you may be hungry-but do you have to eat, or do you just want to eat? Read part 3 of this series, and the free nutrition guide for some ideas. Give yourself some time to adjust to all the new stuff. Be gentle with yourself, and understand that 40 pounds will take a bit of time, and that’s OK.
Take small steps, and implement one change at a time. You can’t expect yourself to make huge wholesale changes all at once and succeed-that’s not being fair to yourself. First-go gluten free, and focus on naturally gluten free foods. Then we can get more specific.
Keep me posted!

By: Phylis

Phylis — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:54:05 +0000

So overwhelming that it leaves me with more brain fog!!! I was just diagnosed two days ago and really don’t know what size shoe fits so to speak! I am really fearfull of gaining more weight as when I was diagnosed that seemed to be one of the biggest issues. I had been gaining weight and could not lose any for the life of me and my appetite was way out of control, now I have the diagnosis of Celiac. My question to you would be how do I have a good gluten free diet and beable to shed some of this weight (40lbs). I really don’t need any more anxiety of weight gain. Thanks for listening. WAY TOO MUCH PRESSURE.

By: Erin

Erin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:24:59 +0000

Hi Jennifer!
You are absolutely right-associated autoimmune disorders, including thyroid problems, are very common with celiac disease. I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Undiagnosed/treated thyroid disorders can absolutely impair weight management. Once hormone levels are optimized, the playing field is leveled and once again the calories are king of the puzzle. Hopefully you have a good doc that can help you and make sure your levels are good. Between that, and eliminating gluten I’m sure you will fell better an be able to lose that weight.
The “why me?” is common. I’m hoping that we can help change perception-that celiac is actually a gift to ensure we treat our bodies well. It makes socializing a bit more challenging, but it can be done!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and the kind words. Both are very much appreciated

By: Jennifer R.

Jennifer R. — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:15:49 +0000

Hi Erin,

I would like to add a couple of things. For the physical weight gain portion, I have read that up to one third of all celiacs/gluten intolerants also have hypothyroidism. That was the case with me. I gained 30 pounds in 3 months for no apparent reason. I was still working out and eating healthily…or so I thought until I found out I was gluten intolerant! I’m still struggling to get the weight off, which hopefully the meds will help me with one of these days.

Also, for the psychological part, I had a feeling of “Why me?” after diagnosis. At 28 years of age, I didn’t think I’d have to deal with health problems for another 40 years or so. Having to eat GF put a huge cramp in my social life. I’m sure others have felt the same way. I didn’t eat for emotional comfort, but I can surely understand someone who would, causing them to gain weight.

Thanks so much for your site. It’s nice to read about living GF healthily!

By: Erin

Erin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:07:07 +0000

Hey Jon-thanks and Happy Easter to you!
There is so much more to be investigated. And it’s a given that I am making some assumptions which are based on the research. But it makes logical sense-however that doesn’t mean it’s absolutely true. And of course, I can’t access the full texts of these studies. But-it may help to explain the hunger issues that seem to be very prevalent. Sometimes the understanding of why helps when it comes to dealing with something uncomfortable like hunger.
Glad you liked it!

By: Jon Fernandes

Jon Fernandes — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:45:53 +0000

Erin,

This article just made my day.

Now I understand why I was overweight as a kid, always somewhat lazy/fatigued and always HUNGRY. I have always had this idea that leptin and gherlin levels might be skewed in celiacs who are not eating gluten-free.

Thanks for answering another piece of the puzzle.

Happy Easter!