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Check your symptomsHow Fibroids Can Impact Your Weight and Vice Versa: Explained
July 19, 2023
Are you experiencing weight gain and wondering if it could be related to fibroids? Could your weight be affecting your risk of fibroids?
In this guide, we will explore the connection between fibroids and weight gain (excessive weight or obesity). We will include the factors that contribute to weight gain with fibroids and potential solutions to manage it.
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size.
While fibroids themselves do not directly cause weight gain, they can contribute to it in several ways.
Firstly, larger fibroids can cause the uterus to expand, leading to a visible increase in abdominal size and weight gain.
This can be particularly noticeable if the fibroids are located in the lower part of the uterus.
Secondly, there is a relationship between fibroids and hormone imbalance, specifically an increase in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is known to play a role in weight regulation.
Therefore, an excess of estrogen can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area.
Lastly, fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
These symptoms can lead to lower physical activity and an increase in sedentary behaviour. All of these can contribute to weight gain over time.
It’s important to note that not all women with fibroids will experience weight gain. The extent to which fibroids affect weight can vary from person to person.
If you suspect that your weight gain may be related to fibroids, consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
One of the ways that fibroids can impact weight is through hormonal imbalances.
Hormonal imbalance can make it more difficult for individuals with fibroids to maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity (being overweight) is directly related to increased energy consumption and reduced physical activity
Several studies show obesity as a significant risk factor for fibroids. This relationship may be due to the metabolic actions of fat cells.
The activity of fat cells leads to several processes that affect your immunity and inflammation.
The body converts hormones from the adrenal glands into oestrogen in fat cells.
Excess weight gain, especially visceral (belly) fat, affects how much sex hormones your body makes. It also affects your tissues’ sensitivity to hormones which affects the delicate hormone balance.
Many women of African American background are overweight in comparison to other ethnic groups in the US. This can be a factor in their higher risk of developing fibroids.
Another observation with fibroids is that they happen more in overweight postmenopausal women. This also includes those who have undergone hormonal replacement therapy.
Furthermore, studies show obese women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop fibroids.
Women who are overweight have higher concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Insulin resistance plays a role in the development of fibroids in overweight women.
Each kilogram (kg) of excessive body weight is correlated with an increased risk of fibroids development.
A United States study reveals that women diagnosed with fibroids are heavier than those without.
Moreover,
increase the risk for fibroids. Abdominal (belly) visceral fat also enhances this risk.
A recent review of 22 studies found a positive association between being overweight and the risk of fibroids.
Fibroids can have a significant impact on metabolism and weight management.
Fibroids and their hormonal imbalances disrupt the body’s natural metabolic processes, leading to weight gain or difficulty in losing weight.
Additionally, the physical presence of fibroids in the abdominal area can contribute to a larger waistline, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
Hence, it’s important for those experiencing weight gain with fibroids to consult with a healthcare professional. They can discuss potential treatment options and strategies for managing their weight.
This way, they develop a personalized plan for managing their weight and addressing any metabolic issues that may arise.
This may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and potentially medical interventions to help regulate hormones and support weight management.
More Reading
Editing by AskAwayHealth Team
Disclaimer
All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners to help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
Please get in touch with a health practitioner to discuss your condition, or reach us directly here.
Image Credits: Canva
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