What Causes Weight Gain After Going Gluten Free?

Discover Why Those with Celiac Disease Are Gaining Weight from Eating Gluten Free Foods

I have Celiac Disease and a weight problem.  Whew!  There I said it, I got this news off my chest.  The biggest issue I face with my gluten free diet is gaining weight.

I belong to several gluten free support groups and the number one complaint I find listed is weight loss.  So many women post their concerns about not being able to put on the necessary weight needed after going gluten free.

I can only state that I wish I had this issue.  The sad truth is that my gluten free diet has increased the pounds on me.  I don’t know why or how to stop it.  I know I can’t be the only one with this issue, but who really wants to admit to a bunch of strangers that they have a weight issue?

This is why I decided to dig deeper into this issue.  I needed to know why I kept gaining the weight when all these other women are losing the weight.  I needed to know the who’s, what’s, when’s, where’s, and why’s of this issue.

After some research, I discovered some surprising truths to the matter.  I have discovered that this issue is more common in those diagnosed with celiac disease then I originally thought.

Weight Gain after Diagnosis

According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, it is common for someone who had been diagnosed with celiac disease to experience an issue with weight gain.  Anyone diagnosed, including myself, is directed to eat a gluten free diet.  It is the only way to begin healing that pesky inflammation within the small intestines.

Once the lining of my small intestine began to heal, I slowly began to absorb more nutrients and calories than before.  My system started to become normal, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

Not all gluten free options are healthy

Now that my body is absorbing the nutrients and calories it needs to, I need to be careful of the foods I am eating.  I often eat prepackaged and processed gluten free foods.

Let’s face it, I am a mother of two boys that are always on the go.  My family does not enjoy many of the foods that I do, so I am always looking for the gluten free variations of family favorites.  This is where my problem lies.

Many of the gluten free food options available today are high in calories and fat.  These are the additives manufacturers are using to make the gluten free food taste good.  The higher content of sugars and fats in these gluten free foods are higher and more dangerous than the standard processed goodies.  The gluten free cookies I buy from the grocery store contain double the amount of calories than a standard package of Chips Ahoy.

How to fix the issue

These wonderfully accessible gluten free foods should be placed on my no-no list.  They are contributing to my weight gain issue.  Although, these foods are the handier and easier options, they need to be eliminated from my diet.

I need to change my diet to include more naturally gluten free foods like fruits and vegetables.  I need to incorporate a healthier balance of fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamins.  There are dieting options available for people like me with celiac disease, but eating whole foods just seems to be the best way to go.

I remember when I was first diagnosed I completed the Whole 30 in order to decrease the painful inflammation.  The plan worked phenomenally, but remaining diary and sugar free became an impossible task for the long haul.  The plan was based on whole foods and a Paleo lifestyle.

If you are like me, a celiac with a weight problem, then we are doing things wrong.  According to the medical professionals at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, we need to put away those easy to grab gluten free finds and stick to clean eating.

Is this really news?  No.  However, it has provided me with the insight into my gaining pounds.  I can only hope that this information can also help someone in a similar situation.