Weight Gain?

princesszelda · September 18, 2019

So I was diagnosed yesterday with Celiac (had a biopsy and it came back positive). I am thin, and don't want to gain any weight. But everything I am seeing online is that going gluten free causes everyone to gain weight and I'm so scared. I've already been trying to cut back as much as possible when eating gluten free.

I was previously anorexic and had just recovered when I received the news I was celiac, so this is very hard for me - being so restricted and unable to enjoy food anymore. Now I am just scared I will gain.

So my question is - do people gain weight because of the choices they make when going gluten free? Or is my body just going to put on weight no matter how little I eat? Like I said, I will cut back if needed. Any input is appreciated!

cyclinglady · September 18, 2019

Welcome!

You should not put on weight unless you eat lots of gluten free processed junk food. Whether it is a gluten free cookie or a wheat-filled cookie is pretty much the same in terms of calories. I hope your GI was able to have you work with a dietician. It can be very helpful.

Focus on non-processed foods like meats, veggies, fruits, nuts, etc. to help speed healing. Avoid eating out until you really master the diet and see health improvement. Read all you can about avoiding cross contamination. The forum is a great resource as are celiac organizations.

You can still enjoy food — not gluten. Soon your new diet will become normal.

GFinDC · September 18, 2019

Cycles is right, avoid the processed gluten-free baked goods and concentrate on meats, nuts, veggies and eggs. Some times people new the gluten-free diet will try to replace all their previous gluten favorites with gluten-free versions. But the gluten-free versions may not have similar nutritional value or even may have more sugar and starch. It can be hard to get gluten-free baked goods to taste like what people expect from before.

You may find yourself feeling much better and have more energy after a few months of gluten-free eating. It takes time for the gut to heal but as it does you will begin to absorb more vitamins and minerals. That is a very good thing and will help your body heal.

Ennis-TX · September 19, 2019

It took years for me to gain muscle mass back lol. But seriously stay away from the gluten free breads, cookies, etc. MOST will use tons of starches and other grains and is a glucose bomb and more unhealthly then the gluten ones.

Stick to a lower carb diet and you should be fine, I went keto to deal with my other issues but maintain a 7-14% body fat depending on bulking or cutting. Everyone is a bit different but for me I use higher fat lower protein to gain then cut out I just lower my fat intake up my lean protein and my body trims everything off while maintaining most of the muscle mass.

princesszelda · September 19, 2019

On 9/18/2019 at 8:43 PM, cyclinglady said:

Welcome!

You should not put on weight unless you eat lots of gluten free processed junk food. Whether it is a gluten free cookie or a wheat-filled cookie is pretty much the same in terms of calories. I hope your GI was able to have you work with a dietician. It can be very helpful.

Focus on non-processed foods like meats, veggies, fruits, nuts, etc. to help speed healing. Avoid eating out until you really master the diet and see health improvement. Read all you can about avoiding cross contamination. The forum is a great resource as are celiac organizations.

You can still enjoy food — not gluten. Soon your new diet will become normal.

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On 9/18/2019 at 11:32 PM, GFinDC said:

Cycles is right, avoid the processed gluten-free baked goods and concentrate on meats, nuts, veggies and eggs. Some times people new the gluten-free diet will try to replace all their previous gluten favorites with gluten-free versions. But the gluten-free versions may not have similar nutritional value or even may have more sugar and starch. It can be hard to get gluten-free baked goods to taste like what people expect from before.

You may find yourself feeling much better and have more energy after a few months of gluten-free eating. It takes time for the gut to heal but as it does you will begin to absorb more vitamins and minerals. That is a very good thing and will help your body heal.

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On 9/19/2019 at 1:38 AM, Ennis_TX said:

It took years for me to gain muscle mass back lol. But seriously stay away from the gluten free breads, cookies, etc. MOST will use tons of starches and other grains and is a glucose bomb and more unhealthly then the gluten ones.

Stick to a lower carb diet and you should be fine, I went keto to deal with my other issues but maintain a 7-14% body fat depending on bulking or cutting. Everyone is a bit different but for me I use higher fat lower protein to gain then cut out I just lower my fat intake up my lean protein and my body trims everything off while maintaining most of the muscle mass.

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So basically, it's still the whole 'calories in / calories out' method? Because I've always eaten pretty healthy minus the occasional pizza, and I'm currently eating lots of fruits and vegetables. I was scared the weight gain was out of my control, but it sounds like my metabolism will be the same I just need to keep making healthy choices, is that right? I think my main concern was my metabolism slowing down or something. Thank you for the helpful responses!

Ennis-TX · September 19, 2019

Yep if anything your metabolism might speed up when you start absorbing your nutrients. It really comes down to healthy choices and your macros more then calories in the end.

princesszelda · September 19, 2019

On 9/19/2019 at 12:59 PM, Ennis_TX said:

Yep if anything your metabolism might speed up when you start absorbing your nutrients. It really comes down to healthy choices and your macros more then calories in the end.

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Thank goodness! This gives me hope, thank you so much

RMJ · September 21, 2019

I’m skinny and haven’t gained weight after going gluten free.

princesszelda · September 21, 2019

On 9/21/2019 at 2:32 AM, RMJ said:

I’m skinny and haven’t gained weight after going gluten free.

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Thank you! I am hoping that as long as I eat healthy and the way I do now, things will stay the same.

GFinDC · September 21, 2019

You may lose some water weight also. Celiac disease causes inflammation and swelling in some people. So you may find that you lose a some water weight as the inflammation goes away.

One thing that some people report is a temporary increase in hunger after going gluten-free. That is not a bad thing and is usually not going to last for long. Your body starts healing and needs more nutrients to build new gut cells after going gluten-free. That temporary hunger increase is helpful for your body to heal quickly.

I know my face was sometimes swelled up and puffy looking before going gluten-free. So were my hands and arms. But that all went away after gluten-free and several months time.

Edited September 21, 2019 by GFinDC

Bennsyu · December 7, 2019

Great thread, so thankful I found it.

NNowak · December 7, 2019

It’s not uncommon for celiacs to have previously struggled with an eating disorder. Consciously or subconsciously food is uncomfortable once ingested so it’s easier to avoid. Obviously this causes a whole host of other issues. I’d suggest the Dx of any “eating disorder” to be incorrect if Celiac hasn’t been ruled out first. Having that as part of your journey makes you obsessed with the number on the scale, how your clothes feel and how your stomach feels. Body dysmorphia is part of that, too.

My advice is to make the decision to be strong, healthy and happy. Stick with whole food - meats, fruits, veggies. I’m prone to drop weight for the slightest of reasons, so I know to eat potatoes and bread if I need to put weight on. I was diagnosed with Celiac 24 years ago, well before there was a gluten-free section in my grocery store. So I’ve always made my own bread and baked goods, if I wanted them. I don’t buy the processed foods because they simply taste bad compared to my homemade treats. To this day most of my diet is liquid - bone broth and collagen shakes, super green shakes, kombucha. I’m busy with my family and running a business, so this allows me to nourish myself comfortably and avoid bathroom issues. If you are past the bathroom issues, you can eat solids accordingly. The biggest thing that helped me in the beginning was the unexpected energy I had and I became a distance runner. Being healthy and strong allowed me to enjoy exercise and competing locally. The few pounds I gained were muscle. Don’t worry about weight gain, it won’t be significant, if at all.

Two of my sisters and I experienced “eating disorders” prior to our Dx of Celiac. My other sister has NCGS but didn’t have significant problems eating.

I hope you’re feeling better.

princesszelda · December 8, 2019

Hi all,

I see this topic has risen to the top again and I just wanted to give an update.

Since being diagnosed, I have actually lost weight, although part of it due to my eating disorder (I was using my celiac as an excuse not to eat anything). I had anorexia for 10 years before any of my celiac symptoms started, so unfortunately it isn't cured once my celiac is under control.

That being said, nothing with my metabolism seems to have changed. If anything, it has gotten faster since going gluten free because recently I've been attempting to put on weight again and I don't seem to be (I do not weigh myself anymore, I go by how my clothes fit). I eat fairly healthy, but I have treats daily as well, just as before. I do not feel like going gluten free with celiac has altered my weight in any way, I just avoid certain foods.

I feel so much better since going gluten free, trust me I still have my bad days where I am in pain and bloated terribly, but it's nothing compared to how life was before my diagnoses.

To anyone out there scared of the weight gain - don't be. It's a lie, and you only gain weight if you eat a lot more! Your body is no different than before. If you eat a lot you will gain. But I will say this - I think I am able to eat more now and maintain my weight than before. I actually get hungry sometimes now!

As a disclaimer: I know everyone's experience is different, I just wanted to share mine for anyone that is worried or curious. So don't reply to this saying I'm wrong or this didn't happen to you, this is my experience and theory!

Feel free to ask me any questions if anyone has any!

NNowak · December 8, 2019

Good for you! I’m glad you are feeling better and can enjoy food. Every Celiac has unique symptoms and their timeline for healing. Take care!

princesszelda · December 8, 2019

On 12/8/2019 at 2:21 PM, NNowak said:

Good for you! I’m glad you are feeling better and can enjoy food. Every Celiac has unique symptoms and their timeline for healing. Take care!

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Thank you so much!