Deepak Joshi Deepak Joshi Asked 6 months ago

Can malabsorption cause weight gain?

I've always struggled with digestion, and lately, I've been putting on weight unexpectedly despite not changing my diet much. My doctor mentioned malabsorption as a possibility for some issues. Can malabsorption actually lead to weight gain instead of weight loss?

7

7 answers

Ramesh Chandra Ramesh Chandra Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago
Most liked

In my seventy years, I have seen that body chemistry works in strange ways. Usually, malabsorption makes people lose weight because the body is not getting nutrition, but sometimes severe nutritional deficiencies can mess up your metabolism and cause weird swelling or water retention. Don't worry too much, just get your gut health checked by a good specialist.

Kamala Devi Kamala Devi Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Beta, if your stomach is not digesting food properly, it can cause gas and heavy bloating which feels like sudden weight gain. Try drinking warm ginger water or a little buttermilk with roasted cumin after meals to soothe the stomach. But if this heaviness continues, please consult a vaidya or a modern doctor.

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I totally get it, struggling with gut issues while seeing the scale go up is so frustrating and confusing. Sometimes when our body lacks nutrients, it goes into survival mode and slows down the metabolism. Please don't be too hard on yourself and get a doctor to check your vitamin levels.

Powered by

Consult a dietary specialist

Shalini Pandey Shalini Pandey Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

I went through this and learned that when you can't absorb nutrients, you constantly crave simple carbs and sugar to get quick energy, which leads to actual weight gain. The key is to heal your gut lining first with a clean diet and probiotics. Get your stool and blood tests done to find the root cause.

Abhishek Roy Abhishek Roy Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Bro, usually malabsorption means you lose weight because the food just passes through without getting digested. But if you are suddenly blowing up, it could just be crazy water retention or severe gas. Go get a proper blood test done, no point guessing online.

Related reads

All articles
Harish Shah Harish Shah Joined May 2026 5 months ago

As someone managing diabetes, I know how easily gut issues can fluctuate your sugar levels and affect your weight. If your body isn't absorbing nutrients, your insulin levels can spike when you eat, causing fat storage. Keep a close eye on your HbA1c and talk to your physician before starting any diet.

Divya Nair Divya Nair Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Hey! It is actually more common to lose weight with malabsorption, but extreme bloating can definitely make you look and feel heavier than you are! Try keeping a food diary to see what triggers your stomach and keep smiling, it gets better!

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.