From the Guidelines
Yes, celiac disease can cause weight stagnation, and a strict gluten-free diet is essential to improve nutrient absorption and promote weight normalization. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining, leading to poor nutrient absorption 1. This malabsorption can prevent normal weight gain or maintenance, even with adequate caloric intake. Weight stagnation is particularly concerning in children with celiac disease, as it can affect their growth and development. Other symptoms that may accompany weight issues include chronic diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and anemia.
Key Considerations
- A gluten-free diet is the only accepted treatment for celiac disease, and it is essential to monitor the nutritional balance of the diet during follow-up 1.
- Patients with celiac disease may experience a reduction in the intake of essential nutrients, such as fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, and may have a higher consumption of fatty foods, sugary foods, and drinks 1.
- A dietetic evaluation is recommended to monitor the nutritional balance of the gluten-free diet, and individualized nutritional approaches can promote dietary patterns that support optimal health outcomes 1.
- The inclusion of alternative gluten-free grains, such as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, millet, and sorghum, can increase the nutritional profile of the gluten-free diet 1.
Treatment and Management
- Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is essential to improve nutrient absorption and promote weight normalization 1.
- Patients should be educated on a healthy diet and lifestyle, and caregivers should be supported in providing a gluten-free diet that is rich in essential nutrients 1.
- Regular monitoring of the patient's nutritional status and compliance with the gluten-free diet is crucial to prevent complications and promote optimal health outcomes 1.
From the Research
Celiac Disease and Weight Stagnation
- Celiac disease can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients, which may result in weight loss or difficulty gaining weight 2, 3, 4
- Untreated celiac patients are at high risk of malnutrition, and an impairment of nutritional status is frequently reported even in patients with the subclinical form of the disease 2
- Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet can improve nutritional status, but may not completely normalize body composition, and a lack of improvement in nutritional status may indicate incomplete adherence to the diet 2
Nutritional Deficiencies and Weight
- Celiac patients may experience deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, iron, fiber, folic acid, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, which can affect weight and overall health 5, 6, 3
- Untreated celiac patients may have lower body weights and lower fat mass and fat-free mass contents compared to treated subjects 2
- A significant correlation has been reported between ghrelin and the degree of severity of intestinal mucosal lesions, which may affect weight and nutritional status 2
Gluten-Free Diet and Weight
- A gluten-free diet can lead to an increase in the risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, overweight, and obesity diseases if not properly managed by a nutritionist 5
- Persons with diagnosed celiac disease may have lower intake of total energy, carbohydrates, fat, and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can affect weight 6
- A gluten-free diet can improve nutritional status, but it is essential to ensure that the diet is well-planned and balanced to prevent nutritional deficiencies and weight-related issues 5, 2, 4