Is It Possible To Lose Weight With Fibroids?

As many as three out of four women will develop uterine fibroids during their lifetime, according to the Mayo Clinic. Uterine fibroids can cause pain, incontinence and other health problems, which as a result may make women try lifestyle modifications to treat their symptoms. Since being overweight may be a factor in the development of fibroids, weight loss is an important tool in helping treat and prevent the disease. Consult your doctor for more information.

Identification

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that appear on the uterus during a woman's childbearing years. It's not known exactly what causes fibroids, although genetic alterations and hormone and chemical imbalances in the body may contribute to their development. Fibroids can range in size from undetectable by the human eye to large masses that distort and enlarge the uterus. You may have one fibroid or several and may experience no symptoms at all or suffer from severe, debilitating pain and bleeding.

Weight Loss

Fibroids don't cause a gain in body fat by themselves, although very large fibroids will add weight to your body and make it appear as though your abdomen is growing. Obese women may be at higher risk of fibroids. Losing weight may be one of the most helpful ways to reduce fibroids. Certain medications prescribed for fibroids cause weight gain as a side effect, which could make losing weight more difficult.

Diet

Author and specialist in women's health, Christiane Northrup, M.D., notes that since the uterus is estrogen-sensitive, a diet that counteracts estrogen dominance can help shrink fibroids and help you lose weight. Among her recommendations are to eat a protein-rich diet and healthy fats like omega-3 olive oil and flaxseed. Eat foods that are low in sugar and starch and eat carbohydrates that are low on the glycemic scale. Increasing your levels of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can also help keep you full and stabilize your blood sugar, promoting weight loss.

Exercise

To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you use, which means adding more activity to your schedule. Exercise 30 to 60 minutes four to six times a week. Include aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching. As an added bonus to weight loss, a study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in November 2007 found that women who engaged in regular exercise had reduced risk for developing uterine fibroids.