Weight management

In the short term, the main aim is to maintain a life-long, gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet. Hopefully, any increase in body weight should even out after a few months. If you have had coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. for some time before being diagnosed, it may take a while for your body to adjust.

Healthy eating recommendations for weight control on a glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free diet are the same as for the general population. It is important to keep to a healthy weight as a long term goal, to prevent complications associated with being overweight such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Weight management is all about energy balance. If you eat more calories (energy) than you use, you will gain weight. As well as increasing the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, being overweight also puts stress on joints.  However, being underweight can increase the risk of osteoporosisA condition where your bones lose bone mass and become brittle. .

Weight can be assessed as Body Mass Index (BMI), which looks at how much you weigh in relation to how tall you are.

You can estimate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres, squared.

BMI = Weight (kg)                 
          Height (m) x Height (m)

Your BMI can be classified in to the following groups:

A BMI measurement is less accurate if you are an athlete, very muscular, pregnant or breast feeding.

Take regular exercise

Weight bearing exercise is important for good bone health. As well as helping you to stay a healthy weight, regular exercise can help with constipation and can also help to keep your heart healthy. 

Aim to do at least 30 minutes exercise a day, such as brisk walking. Consult your GPGeneral Practitioner, or local doctor if you have been inactive for a long period of time, or before starting a new activity.

Healthy Diet

Have a look at our page on ‘seven steps towards a healthy gluten-free diet’ which includes some tips to help with weight control.

Your dietitianAn expert in food and nutrition. can provide you with individual support in maintaining a gluten-free diet, along with sensible eating advice for weight control.