Does Weight Loss Help Endometriosis?
Introduction
Millions of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, a chronic illness that can lead to infertility, irregular menstruation, and excruciating pelvic pain. Endometriosis cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed in several ways, and losing weight has become a possible ally in this fight.
If you have endometriosis, the tissue that looks like the wall of your uterus may grow on other parts of your body. Inappropriate growth of this tissue might result in uncomfortable symptoms that affect not just your menstrual cycle but also your day-to-day activities. Due to scarring and fallopian tube occlusion, some endometriosis patients experience difficulties becoming pregnant.
The following are some of the more typical locations for endometriosis development:
There is room behind your uterus.
Your uterine wall’s layer is called the myometrium.
Ovaries.
The peritoneum.
Fallopian tubes.
What signs of endometriosis are present?
Pelvic discomfort is the most prevalent symptom of endometriosis, though there are other symptoms as well. Both severe and mild discomfort are possible. Symptoms can worsen before and during your period because of the inflammation brought on by the hormonal changes that occur during that time.
Endometriosis symptoms include:
- Menstrual cramps that hurt a lot.
- Pain in the back or abdomen that happens during or in between periods.
- Either spotting (little bleeding) in between cycles or heavy bleeding during periods.
- Dyspareunia is pain during intercourse.
- Infertility.
- Discomfort when urinating or feces.
- Diarrhea, constipation, or bloating are examples of digestive problems.
It’s also possible to have no endometriosis symptoms. You may occasionally have it and be unaware of it until you are unable to conceive.
The seriousness of the problem has nothing to do with your symptoms. Acute pain may be experienced by a patient even if they have very few endometriosis patches. Multiple endometriosis patches may occur in some people without any discomfort.
Why does endometriosis occur?
At this time, doctors are unsure of the precise cause of endometriosis. Tissue that resembles the lining of your uterus grows in the incorrect locations when you have endometriosis. Researchers are searching for a link between endometriosis and potential risk factors, such as immune system problems, hormone imbalances, and retrograde menstruation.
Is it inherited?
The precise etiology of endometriosis is unknown, however, specialists do believe that a family history of the ailment increases the likelihood of getting it in the future. Consult your healthcare physician about your risk if your mother, grandmother, or sibling has endometriosis.
Who is susceptible to endometriosis?
Women and AFAB individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 are most frequently affected by endometriosis. Younger folks may also experience it during their adolescent years. Endometriosis can continue to be painful and uncomfortable, even though many people experience a reduction in its symptoms following menopause.
What are some endometriosis risk factors?
You may be more susceptible to endometriosis if you have certain factors, such as:
Endometriosis’s biological family history.
Having periods that are less than 27 days in length.
Experiencing heavy, protracted periods (lasting more than eight days).
Never having kids.
Knowing About Endometriosis and Its Effects
When tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the organs lining the pelvis, it is known as endometriosis. Inflammation, discomfort, and the development of scar tissue are all possible outcomes of this aberrant growth, and they may lead to issues like adhesions and infertility.
The Connection Between Endometriosis and Weight
The relationship between being overweight and the intensity of endometriosis symptoms has been brought to light by recent studies. According to studies, women who have higher body mass indices (BMIs) are more prone to suffer from endometriosis-related pain and discomfort. Furthermore, obesity is linked to heightened inflammation across the body, which may intensify the inflammatory reaction observed in endometriosis.
Weight gain caused by endometriosis
There are at least five ways that endometriosis can lead to weight gain, according to mostly subjective research. They are:
Bloating:
Bloating and retention of fluids are common signs of endometriosis.
A person’s weight may fluctuate due to bloating, which can also make them appear and feel bigger. Additionally, bloating may alter the fit of clothing. For a lot of folks, it gets worse right before or around their period.
There isn’t much data on the topic overall, but some people who experience frequent bloating may gain up to 10 pounds in a year.
Inflammation brought on by endometriotic growths on the colon or other abdominal organs can result in bloating, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems that can add to weight gain.
The hormone estrogen:
The scientific research on estrogen and weight gain is not entirely consistent.
Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, elevated estrogen levels may exacerbate its symptoms. There is no proof, nevertheless, that this can result in weight increase.
There is certain proof that women frequently gain extra belly fat during menopause, for instance, when their estrogen levels fall.
Endometriosis medication:
Numerous research conducted over the years has shown that weight gain may result from certain endometriosis therapies.
The most popular method of treating endometriosis is hormonal birth control. According to the type and how the body responds to the hormones, some forms can result in weight gain.
For instance, taking a tablet that contains both progestin and synthetic estrogen, as well as taking progestin by itself, may result in weight gain. In some situations, bloating brought on by these tablets may resemble weight gain.
How to reduce weight when you have endometriosis?
People who have endometriosis can lose weight with particular diets, according to a lot of organic and alternative health websites.
There is no scientific proof that any diet may help someone with endometriosis lose weight, despite some evidence that eating a nutritious diet might lessen some of the disease’s symptoms, such as pain and exhaustion.
A person must expend more calories than they take in to lose weight. Among the methods are:
Enhancing physical activity:
Take as many walks as you can and avoid prolonged sitting. One should engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 150–300 minutes or high-intensity aerobic exercise for 75–150 minutes every week. Additionally, they advise strength training at least twice a week.
Maintaining a nutritious diet:

Weight management can be aided by consuming a range of satisfying, lower-calorie foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Additionally, choosing foods strong in protein and fiber may reduce food cravings.
What is the impact of eating on endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis may worsen due to inflammation and elevated estrogen levels. Additionally, both characteristics might be influenced by your nutrition.
Your body needs food to balance estrogen and fight inflammation. The proper diet can greatly lessen the symptoms of endometriosis for many people.
Fiber helps the body get rid of extra estrogen:

You require a certain amount of the important hormone estrogen to function normally. However, endometriosis symptoms like pain and cramps can be made worse by an excess of estrogen. Fiber and food can be helpful in this case.
Your body eliminates excess estrogen in the stool. You ought to have a regular, healthy bowel movement. If not, your estrogen levels may be excessively high and you most likely have constipation.
Increased consumption of fiber can be achieved by eating more:
Fruits and vegetables, but refrain from drinking juice and instead consume the entire meal.
You may incorporate ground flaxseed into homemade baked goods or smoothies.
Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans.
Vegetables.
Healthy grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat pasta.
Anti-inflammatory fats:
Since endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, inflammation exacerbates its symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce endometriosis-related inflammation. Among the foods high in omega-3s are:
Fatty fish, including tuna, sardines, and salmon.
Plant oils, including canola and flaxseed oils.
Minerals that can aid in muscle relaxation and cycle regulation:

One mineral that is frequently discussed is calcium. However, if you have endometriosis, be careful to get zinc and magnesium as well.
Magnesium helps with menstrual cramps.
Foods high in magnesium are:
Dark chocolate, but limit your intake because it typically contains additional sugar.
Arugula, black lettuce, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens.
Legumes, such as edamame and black beans.
Seeds and nuts, pumpkin seeds.
Hormonal equilibrium depends on zinc’s ability to control your menstrual periods. Zinc is used by your body to release an egg, or ovulate.
In addition to being essential if you are attempting to conceive, ovulation produces progesterone, which counteracts estrogen.
Animal foods are the best providers of zinc. Ask your doctor if you should take a zinc supplement if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Zinc-rich foods include:
Poultry, such as turkey or chicken.
Eat no more than two servings of low-fat red meat every week.
Shellfish, such as crab, lobster, and oysters.
Avoidable foods for people with endometriosis
By increasing inflammation or estrogen levels, several foods can exacerbate the pain associated with endometriosis. Avoid or limit:
Alcohol: Drinking wine, beer, or spirits might exacerbate the symptoms of endometriosis. Limit your weekly alcohol consumption to one or two times.
Coffee: Avoid taking more than 400 mg of coffee daily. Depending on how the coffee is made, a single cup may contain more than 100 milligrams.
Red meat is beneficial in moderation, but don’t consume more than 10% of your daily calories from saturated fat.
Processed foods: Added sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat are among the pro-inflammatory components included in many packaged foods. Additionally, they lack essential nutrients including fiber, zinc, magnesium, and good fats.
Sugary drinks: Energy drinks, sodas, and fruit juices are frequently heavy in sugar, which exacerbates inflammation. Try to consume no more than 26 grams of sugar every day.
Recipes for an endometriosis diet:
- Breakfast: A nutritious, high-fiber, dairy-free breakfast is a terrific way to start the day. Try this breakfast bowl with a tropical theme.
- Lunch: Both fiber and anti-inflammatory lipids are abundant in this black bean salad.
- Dinner: This baked fish meal includes a vegetable high in fiber and healthy fats.
- Snack: Try this recipe for basic granola if you need a little snack in between meals. It contains a lot of nutritious nuts and seeds that are excellent for you.
Benefits of Losing Weight
- Decreased Inflammation: Excess fat tissue generates chemicals and hormones that cause inflammation, and people who lose weight might lower their body’s levels of inflammation, which may lessen the inflammatory response linked to endometriosis.
- Better Hormonal Balance: Estrogen, a hormone that contributes to the development and expansion of endometrial tissue, can be produced by adipose tissue, or fat cells. By lowering estrogen levels, weight loss can aid in reestablishing hormonal balance and potentially lessen endometriosis symptoms.
- Management of Pain: Being overweight can increase pelvic pressure and aggravate endometriosis-related pain. People with the illness may have less pain and discomfort as a result of losing weight, which can help relieve this strain.
- Increased Fertility: By reestablishing ovulatory function and hormonal balance, which are both hampered by excess weight and endometriosis, weight loss can help women who are trying to conceive.
How can endometriosis be treated?
Endometriosis medications:
Endometriosis symptoms can be controlled with the use of medications. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can aid with pain. Another alternative is hormonal therapy. They can assist with pain management and menstrual cycle suppression.
For endometriosis, surgery:
Although there are always risks associated with surgery, it can be an effective way to relieve pain and, in some cases, improve your fertility.
- Laparoscopic procedures: A laparoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument that your surgeon will inject into your body through a tiny incision made in your abdomen. The laparoscope can view your body and locate endometriosis with a high-definition camera. To remove the troublesome tissue, your surgeon may need to implant more surgical tools.
- Hysterectomy: Your surgeon might recommend removing your ovaries and/or uterus in extreme circumstances.
Preventive measures
Is it possible to prevent endometriosis?
There is no way to avoid endometriosis. However, a few things can lower your chance of getting the illness.
Endometriosis appears to be less common in those who:
Have had multiple pregnancies.
Breast milk (chest milk).
FAQs
Is it possible for someone with endometriosis to lose weight through diet?
People who have endometriosis can lose weight with particular diets, according to a lot of natural and alternative health websites. There is no scientific proof that any diet may help someone with endometriosis lose weight, despite some evidence that eating a nutritious diet might lessen some of the disease’s symptoms, such as pain and exhaustion.
Can weight loss result from endometriosis?
On the other hand, some research indicates that endometriosis-related discomfort can cause weight loss in those who have pain and nausea that restricts their food intake. In the meantime, a 2014 study supports the claims made by those who have endometriosis that the ailment causes weight gain and a negative body image.
Does the symptoms of endometriosis change with diet?
The symptoms of endometriosis may worsen due to inflammation and elevated estrogen levels. Additionally, both characteristics might be influenced by your nutrition. For many people, the proper diet can significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. Your body needs food to fight inflammation and control estrogen.
Why is gut wellness vital for endometriosis-affected women?
Hormone balance depends on intestinal health, which is even more crucial for endometriosis-affected women. Having a healthy stomach is the primary means of guaranteeing the excretion of estrogen metabolites. Give it prebiotics and lots of fresh veggies plenty of fresh vegetables and prebiotics.
Reference:
- Endometriosis and weight gain: What is the link? (2024, January 19). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324014#how-to-lose-weight
- Carol. (2024, August 2). Losing weight with endometriosis. The Slimming Clinic. https://theslimmingclinic.com/blog/weight-loss-and-endometriosis/
- Endometriosis. (2024, September 20). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosis
- Clinic, C. (2024, November 6). The best and Worst foods for an Anti-Inflammatory Endometriosis Diet. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/endometriosis-diet