can lose weight because the nutrients aren’t being absorbed. However, if you’re taking steroids to treat the condition, you may eventually see some weight gain.
The good news is that steroids aren’t the only medication that’s available to treat ulcerative colitis. It’s best to establish a personalized regimen that works well for you.
6. An Imbalanced Gut Microbiome
Your gut microbiome is an integral part of a healthy digestive system. If you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, your system doesn’t work as well and you may see fluctuations in your weight. This overgrowth is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
It’s best to see your doctor about the way forward. They may recommend special supplements or diet changes that can help the beneficial bacteria to flourish again.
7. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation in different parts of your digestive system. It’s typical for weight loss to be one of the characteristic symptoms of this illness. However, if you’re prescribed steroids to manage Crohn’s disease, then you could see weight loss instead.
As with ulcerative colitis, it’s best to talk to your doctor about alternative options for treatment.
8. Gastroparesis
Generally, this condition affects people who are dealing with diabetes. In gastroparesis, there is a delay in the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. Sometimes, the movement doesn’t happen at all. If you have this condition, you may have bloating consistently but the overall result is weight loss.
Given how gastroparesis works, doctors usually recommend limiting fatty and fiber-rich foods that take longer to digest. That change might not be enough to give you relief, though, so it’s best to talk to your doctor.
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9. Malabsorption Disorders
A malabsorption disorder is a broad term that’s used to describe when your body has trouble absorbing certain nutrients. At first, it can be hard to identify what’s bothering you but some symptoms you may notice are diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion after eating specific foods. You may also lose weight over time.
It’s best to talk to your doctor about getting diagnosed so you know which nutrients your body isn’t absorbing. In that way, you can develop a regimen that supplements the nutrition you need.
10. Food Intolerances
When you have a food intolerance, your digestive system has trouble breaking down specific foods. As a result, you may have diarrhea, bloating, cramps, and gas. If you don’t get the problem under control, you may have fluctuations in your weight.
Sometimes, it’s easy to remove the offending food from your diet. At other times, you might have to adopt a strict diet. If doing this doesn’t help, then you should see a dietitian for personalized care.
While digestive disorders can significantly disrupt your life, it doesn’t mean you can’t manage them effectively. The key is identifying them quickly so you can make some lifestyle changes or see your doctor. Once you have established a plan to deal with your stomach issues, you should be better able to prevent their common side effects.