IBS weight gain is a common complaint we get here at The Slimming Clinic from our patients.
It can be frustrating for you to have to eat ‘unhealthy’, easily digested foods, simply because you know they won’t upset your tummy.
At The Slimming Clinic, we believe you can eat a varied diet for weight loss, whilst keeping your IBS in control.
Our weight loss doctors have put together their best advice for keeping your tummy happy, whilst losing weight.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder in the function of the bowel (intestines) with no structural abnormalities.
Therefore, to look at your bowel there are no structural problems with it but the way it is working is abnormal.
The cause of IBS is unknown, although onset can sometimes be traced to infections of the gut. Many patients and clinicians link that the onset of symptoms can be related to life events or periods of stress.
Who gets IBS?
It is a common disorder and presents mainly in adults between 20 and 40 years old.
When we look at the UK population, the average percentage of people that have IBS is round about 15%.
It’s twice as common in women as it is in men.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
The most common symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain or discomfort which can be described as colicky in nature or as spasms of pain. The pain can occur in different parts of the abdomen and can be relieved by opening bowels or passing wind.
A diagnosis is usually considered if the symptoms have been occurring for at least 6 months and are accompanied by at least 2 of the following 4 symptoms:
- Straining, urgency or incomplete evacuation of stool (when you go to pass a motion but you don’t feel that you get rid of it all)
- Abdominal bloating, distension or hardness
- Symptoms made worse by eating
- Passage of mucus
Other symptoms associated with IBS are lethargy, nausea, backache and bladder symptoms.
If you are experiencing the symptoms associated with IBS seek the advice of your GP. They may want to rule out more serious causes of your symptoms.
How can we lose weight with IBS?
Avoiding IBS symptom flares as well as remaining in a calorie deficit is the mainstay of a weight loss diet with IBS.
When you want to start a weight loss diet with IBS, what we’re looking for is for you to achieve satiety without causing IBS flare-ups. We’re looking for you to feel full and satisfied. This means obtaining enough protein and the appropriate amount of fibre.
By basing your meals around good quality protein and vegetables that don’t flare your IBS you should sustain good weight loss results but not exacerbate your IBS.
Some IBS symptoms can be triggered off by dehydration. It’s paramount if you are trying to lose weight that you are hydrate and getting enough fluid. Aim for 2-3L of water intake a day.
Bottom Line
If you are worried that you are experiencing symptoms of IBS, it is vital you speak to your Slimming Clinic doctor and GP.
We have been helping patients with IBS for many years and can support you with the right balance of diet, exercise and lifestyle advice to ensure you are able to lose weight and keep your IBS symptoms under control.
This blog post is an extract from our IBS Patient Pathway coming to our Slimming Clinic weight loss app in 2022.