How To Loss Weight With Ulcerative Colitis
One kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is ulcerative colitis (UC). In the intestines, where your body receives the majority of the nutrients from meals, it results in inflammation and ulcers.
You may not be able to absorb enough hydration, electrolytes, and nutrients due to several reasons. These include symptoms including diarrhoea and abdominal pain, as well as inflammation in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Weakness, muscle loss, and weight loss are indicators that your body is not receiving enough nourishment. Anaemia can also get worse as a result of blood loss.
An essential component of UC management is eating a well-balanced diet. Malnutrition may result from consuming insufficient amounts of nutrient-dense foods. Inadequate dietary intake can cause fatigue and hinder the body’s ability to recover.
What is ulcerative colitis?

The condition known as ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the rectum and the colon, the innermost lining of the large intestine. Its symptoms typically appear gradually rather than all at once, and it can weaken the body and occasionally result in life-threatening complications. Although there is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis, treatment can significantly lessen and relieve its symptoms and possibly result in long-term remission.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis might differ according to the location and severity of the inflammation. Symptoms could consist of:
- Diarrhoea is frequently accompanied by pus or blood.
- A small amount of blood going with stool is known as rectal bleeding.
- Cramps and stomach ache.
- Ache in the rectal area.
- Urgency for bowel movements.
- Inability to pass stool despite the urgency.
- Reduction of weight.
- Exhaustion.
- Fever.
- Failure to develop in kids.
Mild to moderate symptoms are present in almost half of ulcerative colitis patients. Some patients may experience extended periods of remission during their ulcerative colitis.
Types
Medical practitioners frequently categorise ulcerative colitis based on where it occurs. Among the varieties of ulcerative colitis are:
Proctitis ulcerative. Only the rectum, which is the region next to the anus, is inflamed. The only indication of the illness may be rectal bleeding, which occasionally occurs when bowel motions are problematic.
Colitis on the left side. From the rectum, inflammation spreads to the sigmoid and descending colon. One kind of left-sided colitis is called proctosigmoiditis. The rectum and sigmoid colon, the lowest portion of the colon, are affected by inflammation. Bloody diarrhoea, pain and cramping in the abdomen, and tenesmus—the inability to move the bowels despite the need to do so—are some of the symptoms.
Widespread colitis. Pancolitis is another name for this. This kind frequently affects the entire colon and results in severe episodes of bloody diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and cramping, exhaustion, and noticeable weight loss.
Causes:
It is unknown what specifically causes ulcerative colitis. Although nutrition and stress were suspected in the past, medical practitioners now know that these factors may exacerbate ulcerative colitis but do not cause it. Among the potential causes are:
Problem with the immune system. Immune system dysfunction is one potential reason. An erratic immune response makes the immune system target the cells in the digestive tract as well when it attempts to combat an invasive virus or bacteria.
Genetic characteristics. Ulcerative colitis has been linked to several genetic markers. The fact that the illness is more prevalent in those who have family members who have it further suggests that heredity may be involved.
Do you lose weight when you have ulcerative colitis?
Yes, it can. One typical UC symptom is weight loss, particularly if the illness is left untreated.
There are several reasons why you might lose weight. You may become less hungry as a result of symptoms like nausea and stomach pain. Your body may find it more difficult to absorb nutrients from meals if you have diarrhoea or are on certain medications for IBD. Additionally, inflammation speeds up your body’s calorie burning.
Why does weight loss result from IBD?
There are several reasons why IBD causes weight loss:
- You have diarrhea: Six or more loose bowel motions per day are possible during an active symptom flare. Regular diarrhea can cause weight loss by depriving your body of nutrients. Some IBD sufferers cut back on their food to reduce the frequency of their restroom visits.
- You’re too sick to eat: Symptoms like nausea and stomach pain make it hard to eat healthily. You might consume fewer calories and nutrients to maintain your weight when you’re not hungry.
- You suffer from persistent inflammation: An increased need for protein may result from persistent (chronic) inflammation. Muscle and other fat-free mass may begin to be broken down by your body. You may lose weight as a result of the reduction in muscle mass.
How can UC stop me from losing weight?
For patients with ulcerative colitis, doctors often do not advocate any specific diet. Eating foods that provide a balance of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals together with adequate calories is the goal.
If you can, consult a dietician to determine a diet that you both love and can stick to.
Some foods can exacerbate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. You might need to stay away from several difficult-to-digest foods and beverages during flares, such as:
- raw vegetables,
- dairy products like milk and cheese,
- and fresh fruits with skin and seeds
- Whole grains and nuts
- sweet foods, including candies and, if relevant, soda and alcohol
However, you may not necessarily have to exclude all of these foods from your diet.
Instead, you might use a food journal to identify foods that cause you discomfort. Not everything you eat and drink, as well as any times when your symptoms get worse or flare up. Give your nutritionist and doctor access to this journal. You can work together to create a strategy that guarantees you’re eating balanced meals.
You can gradually resume eating some foods after a flare-up. To compensate for what you lost, you might want to try eating more protein and calories.
Here are some other weight-gain tips:
To enhance your daily caloric intake, eat four to six small meals throughout the day. Sometimes it’s simpler to handle smaller meals and snacks than three big ones.
Increase your intake of protein by eating more chicken, eggs, fish, and tofu.
Make an effort to eat more. Go ahead and have seconds if you’re eating items that you like and you don’t feel satisfied. Calories increase with food intake.
Keep items that you enjoy and can easily consume in your refrigerator and pantry.
Weight loss tips for Ulcerative Colitis
There isn’t one food or regimen that will assist everyone who gains weight due to UC removing it. Nonetheless, people may be able to regulate their weight by using the following weight loss advice.
Keep up a nutritious diet.
Individuals with ulcerative colitis may choose to eat a diet rich in wholesome foods, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables: If a particular fruit or vegetable causes a flare, people can try a range of them and remove the skin and seeds.
- Foods high in fiber include barley, oat bran, beans, nuts, and whole grains. If a doctor has recommended a low-fiber diet, then a person should stay away from these items since they are inappropriate for those who have an ostomy or intestinal constriction.
- Foods high in calcium include collard greens, lactose-free dairy products, kefir, yoghurt, and milk.
- Protein: Good sources of protein are lean meats, fish, tofu, eggs, and nuts.
- Probiotic-rich foods: People can try increasing their intake of yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.
A person may be able to handle moderate amounts of the following meals during a flare:
- Low-fiber fruits and lean protein sources including eggs, fish, poultry, and soy
- refined grains, including white pasta, potatoes, oats and sourdough; completely cooked vegetables devoid of seeds or skin
A person may want to talk to a healthcare provider about the following specific diets:
- The Palaeolithic diet and the Mediterranean diet sometimes referred to as the anti-inflammatory diet or IBD-AID
- Diets enhanced with omega-3
- semi-vegetarian diets
- Diets involving fasting
Because their systems are unable to absorb all of the vitamins and minerals they eat, some persons with UC may suffer from malnutrition. Any major dietary changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider by these persons.
Stock up on wholesome, easily accessible foods.
For convenience, people who are having a UC flare might eat harmful “junk” foods instead of looking for healthier options.
Keeping the refrigerator and cabinets stocked with tasty, fast, and nutritious items can help people make healthier eating choices and keep them from nibbling on unhealthy foods.
Avoid trigger foods
Certain meals may be more likely to trigger a flare-up in a person with ulcerative colitis than others, according to research. Certain foods, such as those that are heavy in fat and sugar, might also cause weight gain.
People with UC may avoid weight gain and flare-ups by consuming fewer foods heavy in fat and sugar.
Try avoiding gluten.
Eliminating gluten can help some IBD sufferers with their symptoms. But as of right now, no study supports this assertion. Furthermore, gluten-free items frequently have greater fat contents, which can lead to weight gain, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Be sure to stay hydrated.
People can feel fuller and consume fewer calories by drinking a glass of water around 30 minutes before meals. Drinking water before meals can help people lose up to 44% more weight than those who don’t.
This practice is especially advantageous because diarrhoea causes fluid loss, making it essential for individuals with UC to maintain proper hydration.
Chew slowly.
Chewing more slowly and thoroughly guarantees that food is broken down by the body before it reaches the stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as giving the brain more time to sense satiety.
Additionally, chewing slowly reduces the possibility of creating air pockets in the GI tract, which can produce gas and pain for UC patients.
Exercise regularly
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week are recommended for adults who wish to reduce weight or maintain a moderate weight.
People may be able to avoid weight gain and decrease weight by taking a quick daily stroll. Frequent exercise can enhance cognitive function, memory, sleep quality, and learning.
Conclusion
Although weight gain is not typically associated with UC, it is a common side effect of the condition. To offset any weight loss or gain brought on by the illness, people with UC may need to keep an eye on their weight.
Because of their medications, some UC patients may not be able to reduce weight. Some people can find it hard to obtain adequate exercise as their symptoms worsen.
People with UC might attempt weight loss if necessary by:
maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding trigger foods, and making sure they have wholesome snacks on hand
attempting a diet free of gluten
consuming adequate water, eating food gradually, and engaging in regular exercise
A moderate weight is essential for lowering the chance of contracting several additional illnesses.
FAQs
How can someone with ulcerative colitis lose weight?
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one way that persons with UC can attempt to shed weight if needed.
Make certain that kids have wholesome snacks on hand.
Stay Away from trigger foods.
Trying a diet free of gluten.
Consuming adequate water.
Chewing food slowly.
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Is it possible to manage ulcerative colitis without undergoing surgery?
With medication, the majority of persons with moderate colitis can manage their symptoms. Mild colitis typically does not require surgery. Surgery to remove the colon and the rectum’s lining is the sole treatment for ulcerative colitis. You can still have bowel movements following the most frequent kind of surgery.
Is ulcerative colitis reversible?
Since ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, there is no known cure. However, remissions—discontinuations of symptoms for years—are not uncommon. Others may experience an increase in symptoms or more frequent “flares” or “flare-ups.”
Which ulcerative colitis medication is the most effective?
Medication and surgery are the two most common forms of therapy. About 70% of individuals experience remission after taking their medications as prescribed. Surgery is an option for those who do not respond well to medicines.
In ulcerative colitis, what foods should one avoid?
Avoiding Certain Things If You Have Ulcerative Colitis
Alcohol.
Baked products, such as brownies, cakes, and muffins.
Chocolate and candies.
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee.
Dried beans and legumes; dairy (if lactose intolerant).
Dried fruits.
Fast food.
Reference
- Ames, H. (2024, July 10). How to lose weight with ulcerative colitis. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-ulcerative-colitis#summary
- The Healthline Editorial Team. (2024, October 14). Your FAQs answered: Ulcerative colitis and weight loss. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/weight-loss-faqs-answered#life-expectancy
- Ulcerative colitis – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326