As soon as you consume foods containing lactose, the familiar symptoms appear: Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea. And as if that wasn't enough, the numbers on your scales also go up. But could this weight gain have anything to do with your lactose intolerance? If you have problems with your digestive tract, this is an obvious assumption.

But, to start with, weight changes are generally not a direct symptom of lactose intolerance. Nevertheless, doctors and scientists do not yet really know how the weight gain occurs. The research available to date remains unclear and cautious regarding the link between lactose intolerance and weight changes.

However, it could be that food intolerances such as lactose intolerance trigger processes in the body that promote weight gain. However, this also applies to the connection between lactose intolerance and weight loss.

 

Weight gain - not a direct symptom of lactose intolerance

The incorrect processing of lactose in the large intestine, which causes typical symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea, does not directly lead to obesity. However, lactose intolerance can stimulate other processes that reinforce each other and can ultimately lead to weight gain. Dr. Astrid Menne emphasizes that, in the end, the energy balance of those affected is always decisive.

 

Possible reasons for weight gain with lactose intolerance

• Negative energy balance due to lack of exercise
  A HIIT workout with abdominal cramps, diarrhea while jogging or nausea in the gym - while it is often difficult under normal circumstances to overcome the inner bastard and exercise regularly, it is even more difficult with the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
  But a lack of exercise usually results in a higher calorie intake and reduced calorie consumption, which in turn usually leads to weight gain.
• Unbalanced diet due to reduced choice of food
  In order to prevent possible symptoms, are you avoiding a large number of foods and therefore eating a relatively one-sided diet? This may sound sensible at first glance, but it usually also affects your metabolism, as you are not consuming many of the nutrients you need in the first place. If your metabolism is not working properly, this often leads to a higher body weight.
• Sugar in lactose-free products
  Many people confuse “lactose-free” with “sugar-free”, which is not true. Lactose-free products often contain just as much sugar as conventional products. Milk substitutes, for example, are hydrolyzed during production, resulting in glucose, which does not have to be declared on the list of ingredients. These products can therefore contain a lot of sugar, which leads to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, but not to lasting satiety. So if you opt for lactose-free foods, you should pay attention to the sugar content to avoid unwanted weight gain.
  
  

What can you do to prevent unwanted weight gain?

By using lactase tablets, you can enjoy a symptom-free diet again. You can prevent an unbalanced diet, boost your metabolism and incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.

Dr. Astrid Menne recommends “many small meals throughout the day” and “a diet adapted to your calorie requirements”.

 

Reasons for weight loss with lactose intolerance

The constant additional strain on the body due to lactose intolerance can also lead to unwanted weight loss. Especially if you eat less than normal for fear of new symptoms. In addition, your body loses a lot of water during diarrhea or vomiting and excretes what you have eaten prematurely, which also promotes weight loss.

In this case, it can also help to adjust your diet and supplement it with well-tolerated dairy products or lactase tablets, as milk and dairy products naturally supply the body with valuable nutrients such as proteins, minerals, trace elements and vitamins. They also have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and provide sufficient nutritional value to prevent weight loss.
In addition, it never hurts to discuss unwanted weight changes and related concerns with your doctor to clarify possible causes.


References:

1. Aicher, Theresa. Laktoseintoleranz und Gewichtszunahme. So verhältst du dich richtig.
2. Aicher, Theresa. Laktoseintoleranz und Gewichtsabnahme: Das solltest du darüber wissen.
3. Alte Apotheke (2021). Laktoseintoleranz - Symptome, Ernährung und Behandlung.
4. Jossé, Sabine. Unverträglichkeiten: Kommt es zu Gewichtszunahme?