In a society where people are concerned with the numbers on the scale, it is very important to know that weight gain can be caused by medical problems such as constipation. Battling constipation and weight gain can go hand-in-hand, as eating healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables, and plenty of water and other fluids, are good for both issues.
Constipation means that the body cannot eliminate its waste. This keeps the metabolism from functioning properly, making it harder to lose weight. Also, if the food is digested but not taken through the rest of the body's system, it has no place else to go and adds extra weight to the body. Eating three times per day should lead to that many trips to the bathroom. If that does not happen, it could mean that your system is blocked.
Certain foods can only make the problem worse, including those high in caffeine or those that contribute to gas, such as beans and cabbage, that should be avoided. When one is constipated, they also can retain water which gives them a bloated look which makes the weight gain more visible.
Other ways to prevent or combat the constipation problem, that can also help those that have gained unintentional weight, include exercise and going to the bathroom soon after the urge arises. Other contributors to constipation, that could possibly lead to weight gain, include stress and travel or any other symptoms such as changes in the bowel habits, a swollen abdomen or diarrhea.
