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Dec 18, 2023 · Staying hydrated can help soften your stools and make them easier to pass, which can help prevent a bowel blockage. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should have about 11.5 cups of water daily, while the recommended daily water intake for men is 15.5 cups every day.
Mar 29, 2024 · Learn about the signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction that should not be ignored. Bowel obstruction is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you recognize the warning signs and seek prompt treatment. From abdominal pain and bloating to constipation and vomiting, understanding the symptoms can help you take the ...
Specifically, and independent of maternal obesity, early vs. late weight gain may have different consequences for placental and fetal development, 33, 35, 36 which may translate into different long-term risks of chronic disease and cancer. 34 Weight gain in early pregnancy reflects an increase in maternal fuels (e.g., glucose, insulin), 57 whereas weight gain in late pregnancy reflects fetal ...
- 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325001
- 2022/07
- Overview
- Causes of swollen stomach and weight gain
- Causes that affect women only
- When to get medical attention
- The bottom line
Bloating or swelling around your stomach or abdomen can have many causes, including digestive conditions, hormonal changes, and even some medications.
In addition to abdominal bloating or swelling, it’s possible that you may have noticed that you’ve also gained some weight without changing your exercise routine or diet.
So, what does it mean when these two symptoms — stomach bloating and weight gain — occur together?
In this article we’ll take a closer look at what can cause stomach swelling along with unexpected weight gain, and discuss when it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
Stress
It’s possible that high levels of stress can cause weight gain and bloating. Too much stress can have a variety of negative effects on your body, including on your digestive symptom. When you’re stressed, you can experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Additionally, some researchers believe that stress may contribute to your perception of abdominal bloating. Stress can also cause some people to “stress eat.” In fact, about 40 percent of people increase food intake when they’re feeling stressed. It’s also possible that stress may lead to a decrease in physical activity. Along with stress eating, this can cause weight gain. There are steps you can take to help reduce your stress levels. For instance you can try: •getting regular exercise •prioritizing your sleep and aiming for at least 7-8 hours rest each night •relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises •listening to music or writing down your thoughts •indulging in a favorite hobby
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol is an inflammatory substance that can affect many parts of your body, including your digestive system. Alcohol consumption can lead to several unpleasant GI symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Alcohol is full of empty calories. Per gram, it has almost twice as many calories as carbs or protein, yet provides no nutritional value. Because of its calorie content, increased alcohol intake can lead to weight gain. You can prevent alcohol-related bloating and weight gain by drinking in moderation. This means one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. A standard drink is considered to be: •12 ounces of beer (5 percent alcohol) •8 ounces of malt liquor (7 percent alcohol) •5 ounces of wine (12 percent alcohol) •1.5 ounces of liquor (40 percent alcohol)
Medications
It’s possible that some types of medications can cause abdominal bloating and weight gain. Some examples include:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a collection of symptoms that happen in the days prior to your period. The symptoms of PMS can be both emotional and physical. They’re caused by changes in hormone levels that occur during your menstrual cycle. Two of the physical symptoms of PMS are bloating and weight gain. Bloating occurs due to water retention, which, like many other PMS symptoms, is caused by hormonal changes. Weight gain may be associated with other PMS symptoms, such as: •water retention, which can slightly increase your weight (“water weight”) •food cravings that may cause you to overeat or eat unhealthy foods •fatigue and abdominal cramps, which may lead to a decrease in physical activity Additional physical and emotional symptoms of PMS can include: •breast tenderness •headache •body aches and pains •GI symptoms like constipation and diarrhea •acne •altered sleeping patterns •feeling irritable •emotional outbursts •feelings of anxiety or depression Many PMS symptoms can be eased with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Medications like NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants can also help reduce symptoms.
Pregnancy
Bloating is a potential early sign of pregnancy. This often feels similar to the bloating that you experience prior to getting your period. Other early pregnancy symptoms include: •missed period •breast tenderness and swelling •morning sickness •frequent urination •fatigue •constipation •abdominal cramping •sensitivity to odors Unexpected weight gain is also a symptom of pregnancy. However, it may not be noticeable early on. During pregnancy, most women gain the majority of their pregnancy weight after week 20.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS happens when levels of androgens (male sex hormones) are higher than normal. This can have a variety of effects on your body, such as interfering with your cycle and causing excess hair growth. Another potential side effect is weight gain. Weight gain due to PCOS often happens around the abdomen, which may cause your stomach to appear distended or bloated. Other symptoms of PCOS can include: •cysts that form on your ovaries •irregular periods, which can include: •very heavy periods •frequently missed periods •absent periods •infertility •thinning hair •acne •darkened patches of skin, particularly on your neck and under your breasts •skin tags There’s no cure for PCOS, but medications can help reduce symptoms. Some medication options include: •hormonal birth control, which can help keep your cycle regular and reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth •metformin, a medication that’s typically used to treat diabetes, but may also help with PCOS •clomiphene (Clomid), a medication that helps you ovulate
In some cases abdominal swelling with weight gain can signal an underlying condition that needs medical attention. See your doctor if you experience swelling and weight gain that:
•comes on suddenly
•is severe
•is prolonged
•can’t be explained by an existing health condition
•occurs along with additional symptoms like abdominal pain or shortness of breath
Stomach swelling that happens with weight gain can have several causes. Some causes may be related to stress, alcohol consumption, or medications. Other causes can be a result of health conditions like hypothyroidism or PCOS.
Many causes of stomach swelling and weight gain can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. However, others, such as ascites, can be serious.
Sep 25, 2023 · A bowel obstruction can feel different depending on which intestine is affected and what’s happening in your gut. An obstruction typically feels like severe cramping pain in your abdomen. The pain from a small bowel obstruction is more likely to come in short intermittent waves, occurring every few minutes or so.
Jul 10, 2024 · Pregnant people with obesity are at increased risk for an array of maternal and perinatal complications, and the risks are amplified with increasing severity of the condition . It has been estimated that one-quarter of pregnancy complications (eg, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, large for gestational age [LGA] infant) are attributable to maternal ...
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Apr 9, 2024 · Most people recover from a bowel obstruction without complications after treatment. The main signs that your bowel is no longer blocked are being able to pass gas and poop again. Pain and bloating ...
