An extremely general question is; can uterine fibroids cause weight gain? Unexplained sudden weight gain causes tension, especially when there are no significant changes in your lifestyle and diet. Weight gain goes hand in hand with the fibroids; for many women gaining weight suspiciously, uterine fibroids are the reason. Fibroids are known to impact 20% to 80% of women and have various symptoms, including weight gain. Unanticipated gain of weight can lead to emotional distress.
How do uterine fibroids cause weight gain?
Fibroids are tissues, and as they grow, they add to the overall weight of one’s body, just as adding extra tissue to the body will. They are noncancerous tumors that will grow and go through cycles of degeneration and regeneration. Uterine fibroids can grow up to the size of a baby and change the body proportions just as a baby does. We have examples of fibroids growing up to 20 pounds, which is a lot of extra tissue and weight in the midsection.
The more the uterine fibroids grow, the more weight and tissue they add to one’s body. As the additional pounds of fibroid weight increases, the symptoms become more severe. The symptoms like pressure, pain, and menstrual volume escalate with the increasing size of the uterine fibroid. A protrusion may be visible in the case of very large fibroids; no amount of dieting and exercising can reduce weight.
What causes the sudden growth of fibroids?
The inactive and small fibroids that cause zero symptoms are prone to change very quickly. Certain factors can trigger rapid fibroid growth. This can have aggressive changes in your body that will impact the well-being and health of the individual. Some of the known reasons that cause fibroids to grow can be listed:
- Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen
- Pregnancy
- Changes in the diet
General weight gain versus weight gain due to fibroids
Weight gain can be due to several reasons. The reason may be a change in eating, exercise, fibroids, or something entirely different. There is a difference between the weight gain caused by general reasons and the weight gain caused by the uterine fibroids.
Typical causes of general weight gain:
- Not having a balanced diet
- Eating more frequently than usual
- Lack of exercise
- Increased intake of high-sodium meals
Fibroid weight gain causes:
- Unexplained weight gain even after a reduction in caloric consumption
- The unexplained gain in weight, even if you are exercising daily
- An unexpected weight gain in the abdominal region when you are not even pregnant
Can you lose weight while having fibroids?
Fibroid patients are especially encouraged to lose weight, but it can be difficult for them for certain reasons. Heavy bleeding can make women worried enough to overreact. Overacting will make them want to reduce their normal exercise. However, it is possible to lose weight while having fibroids if you properly manage your tension.
Fibroid patients are encouraged to lose weight because it will help prevent a fibroid’s further growth. Some basic tips for dealing with fibroids and losing weight include:
- Use vitamins and a proper diet to reduce the iron deficiency
- Increase the intake of bright-coloured fruits and vegetables
- Eat high-fibre foods like cruciferous vegetables and oats
- Get enough vitamin D
- Avoid foods like soy, tofu, and red meat because they affect estrogen production
- Decrease the intake of refined carbs and sugary foods
- Non-surgical treatment for fibroid weight gain
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a procedure that can help to end fibroid issues. It is less trauma to the body and does not have the drawbacks that a traditional fibroid surgery would have. The fast recovery time ensures that the uterus doesn’t get wounded as it would with the surgery. It targets the fibroid blood supply and eliminates the route of its growth. Restricting the blood supply will help to shrink the fibroid. As the fibroid shrinks, the extra weight also shrinks.
Fibroid-related weight gain is not a certainty. You should start observing if you have a bulge in the lower abdomen. It is recommended to seek treatment as soon as you learn about the existence of a uterine fibroid. The longer you will wait, the more the risk will be. It will get bigger, complicate your life, and affect your body’s shape. The fibroid related weight gain can be avoided by seeking early treatment.
