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Weight Gain on the Gluten-Free Diet

KEY POINTS:

  • For some patients with celiac disease, weight gain can happen with the start of the gluten-free diet.
  • This weight gain comes from many different factors, such as the healing of the intestines and the changes in diet. 1,2
  • This initial weight gain is a sign of improved intestinal health, but too much weight gain can be a problem. It is important to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
  • If you have gained too much weight on the gluten-free diet, ask your doctor or registered dietitian for advice on managing weight gain.

TAKE HOME MESSAGES:

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  • Initial weight gain on the gluten-free diet is usually due to better intestinal health. Too much weight can lead to other health risks.
  • It's important to continue a healthy and balanced gluten-free diet to reduce the amount of weight gain.
ASK YOURSELF:

Have you gained unwanted weight after starting the gluten-free diet?

  • Yes
  • No

If so, read on.

References:

  1. Impact article from University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center http://www.celiacdisease.net/assets/documents/SP08CeliacCtr.News.v5final.pdf. Accessed April 20, 2011.
  2. Dennis M. Weight Gain: A Common and Sometimes Unwelcome, Measure of Healing. In Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten-Free . Eds. Dennis M, Leffler D. AGA Press. Bethesda, MD, 2010.

Revision Date: 8-23-12 
Author: Melinda Dennis, MS, RD, LDN 
Editors: Suzanne Simpson, RD and Rupa Mukherjee, MD

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