Because constipation can cause stool to build up inside a person’s bowels, it may cause a temporary increase in weight.

Constipation occurs when a person’s bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass.

Constipation may cause a person to develop certain symptoms, such as cramping or bloating. It may also temporarily cause a person to gain weight. A person may find that their weight goes down after having a bowel movement.

Read on to learn more about the relationship between constipation and weight gain, including causes and treatments.

Constipation will not result in chronic weight gain, but it may show a temporary increase in weight due to the volume of stool in the bowel.

Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through a person’s bowels. The longer the stool stays in the bowel, the more water is absorbed from it. This causes the stool to become hard and dry. This may make it harder to remove from the bowel.

The weight of the waste inside a person’s body counts toward how much a person weighs. A person may weigh slightly more if they need to have a bowel movement. Once they defecate, they may weigh less.

Constipation may also cause a person to feel bloated. This may occur due to a buildup of gas within the bowels. This buildup may also cause a person to gain weight temporarily.

If a person is constipated, they may retain a small amount of extra weight until their constipation clears. The amount may depend on the severity and duration of the constipation.

The average bowel movement of a healthy adult weighs an estimated 150 grams (g). However, this may vary from person to person. A person’s stool may increase in weight depending on how much they eat or how frequently they defecate.

There are many causesTrusted Source of constipation, such as:

A person’s doctor can help identify the underlying cause of constipation and advise on suitable treatments to manage symptoms and prevent further constipation.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source notes there are certain dietary changes a person can make to help manage constipation. They include eating enough fiber and drinking plenty of water.

The average adult should eat between 22 g and 34 g of fiber per day. Some sources of fiber include:

  • whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, and bran flake cereals
  • fruits, such as oranges, apples, and pears
  • vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and green peas
  • legumes, such as lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas
  • nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and peanuts

A person may benefit from increasing fiber in their diet a little at a time. This helps the body get used to the increase in fiber.

Avoiding certain foods may help manage or prevent constipation too. These include:

  • chips
  • fast food
  • processed foods

If constipation does not respond to other remedies, a doctor may recommend medical treatments such asTrusted Source:

  • laxatives
  • enemas and suppositories, which are medications placed directly into the anus
  • biofeedback therapy, which can help the muscles that control bowel movements
  • surgery to remove bowel obstructions or parts of the colon if they are not working correctly

A person can talk with their doctor for more information about what treatments may help. It may be necessary to directly address an underlying condition that is causing the constipation.

If constipation does not go away after diet changes or medical treatment, a person should speak with a doctor.

They should also speak with a doctor if they have a family historyTrusted Source of colon or rectal cancer.

A person should speak with a doctor urgently if they have constipation with:

  • rectal bleeding
  • blood in their stool
  • constant abdominal pain
  • an inability to pass gas
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • lower back pain
  • unexplained weight loss

If a person has constipation, they may temporarily gain weight due to the weight of the stool inside their bowel. Once a person passes the stool, their weight should go down.

The amount of weight a person gains while they are constipated may vary depending on the severity of their condition.

There are many causes of constipation, such as health conditions and certain medications. A person can typically treat their constipation using dietary changes and medications.

If the constipation does not clear with home remedies, the individual should contact a doctor for advice. They should seek immediate medical help if they experience any serious symptoms alongside constipation.