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Digestion Problems and Obesity

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Living with obesity can put you at higher risk for many health problems, including digestive problems. Digestive problems stem from disorders that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The GI system consists of the GI tract, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the anus. The GI system also includes organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.1,2

There are several ways obesity can lead to digestive problems. They include:2

  • High abdominal pressure – Obesity can increase the pressure in the belly, which can have a negative effect on the GI system.
  • Abdominal fat – Fat that is found deep in the belly is more harmful to overall health. This type of fat can increase your risk for GI cancer and other digestive problems.
  • Unhealthy diet – What you eat has a strong effect on how your GI system works. For example, an unhealthy diet can change the levels of good bacteria found in your gut. This imbalance is linked to many GI disorders.
  • Lack of physical activity – Lack of exercise can contribute to both obesity and some digestive problems. And living with obesity can make it harder to exercise.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when acids from the stomach rise up into the tube that connects the stomach to the mouth (esophagus). GERD causes heartburn, and it can damage the esophagus. High abdominal pressure caused by obesity can increase the risk for GERD.1

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Functional dyspepsia (FD)

FD causes stomach issues that occur after eating. Symptoms can include:2

  • Feeling of fullness in the belly
  • Bloating or burping
  • Nausea
  • Belly discomfort or pain
  • Vomiting

Obesity can make it more likely to experience FD, but experts do not know exactly why. Obesity can affect how food moves through the stomach and intestines, which might cause the symptoms of FD.2

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

People with IBS have belly discomfort and a change in bowel movements. Symptoms of IBS can include:2,3

  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating

Eating an unhealthy diet can lead to both obesity and IBS.2,3

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD causes inflammation and damage in the intestines. Symptoms of IBD can include:3

  • Diarrhea
  • Bleeding from the anus
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Immediate need to have a bowel movement (urgency)

Obesity, especially in people who have extra abdominal fat, may increase the risk of developing IBD. Obesity can also have a negative effect on how well IBD treatments work.2,4

Chronic diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom of many GI disorders. But it can also occur in people who do not have a GI disorder. People with obesity are more likely to experience chronic diarrhea.5,6

According to 1 study, the higher risk for chronic diarrhea in people with obesity is not just related to diet or other lifestyle factors. There are also other changes in the body caused by obesity that can increase the risk for chronic diarrhea.5,6

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is when small pouches develop in the walls of the large intestine. This condition is more common among people with obesity.2,3

Gallstones and pancreatitis

Obesity can increase the risk of developing gallstones. These are hard clumps that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can then lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).2

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD affects liver function and causes liver damage. Obesity is a risk factor for NAFLD. Obesity can cause higher levels of insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar) and fats in the blood. This can lead to NAFLD.2

GI cancer

Finally, obesity increases the risk of developing GI cancers. Cancer can develop in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, or colon. Getting regular medical checkups can help detect cancer early.2,3

Ways to manage GI disorders

Talk to your healthcare provider to find the best ways to treat and manage your symptoms. There are different medicines and surgical procedures available to treat specific GI disorders. Getting regular checkups by your doctor and/or a gastroenterologist can help keep GI disorders in check.2,3

Certain lifestyle changes may also help. These include:2,3

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Avoiding foods that make your symptoms worse (if your doctor approves)
  • Increasing your physical activity

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