But sometimes when you’re experiencing bloating, it can be difficult to believe that you haven’t simultaneously gained weight. So, we investigated exactly how to discern between bloating and weight gain in order to provide some clarity and help you best set a course of action for your health. (And remember: Even if you did gain weight, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.) However, bloating itself is not permanent weight gain, nor does it cause it. Rather, it’s a temporary issue in the body—and there are actions, such as dietary changes, you can take to ease the bloat. “The big culprits (as seen in the Whole30 nutrition plan on items to avoid) are dairy, sugar, grains, legumes, and carrageenans,” explains functional medicine physician Leah Johansen, M.D. Therefore, if you’re going to bed with a bloated stomach, it’s likely going to be less noticeable or completely gone when you wake up in the morning. One of the biggest differences between bloating and weight gain is the speed at which they come on. If you have gained weight, it’s going to be a more gradual process over time (as this may involve a surplus of calories, reduction in physical activity, underlying hormonal issue, increase in stressful inputs, or something else), while bloating can hit you like a ton of bricks. The best way to distinguish between the two is if you woke up with a flat stomach and ended the day with it feeling hard and full of air—that is bloating and not weight gain. “Weight gain tends not to happen suddenly after eating a meal,” adds Harry. “While our weight may fluctuate slightly over the day, true weight gain happens over time.” Of course, weight gain can also occur when we build lean muscle tissue (hello, strength training) or even bone density, so weight fluctuation context is key. Bloating can also come from water retention due to changes in hormones, and is actually quite common (albeit, annoying). “Bloating related to hormonal water retention is normal and resolves itself through the course of the menstrual cycle, whereas too much gas in the GI tract warrants some attention,” adds holistic psychiatrist and mbg Collective member Ellen Vora, M.D. Harry notes that other common causes of bloating include: A gut-centric probiotic is also a great tool for aiding in regular bowel movements, which can naturally help with bloating, as well.* Of course, you won’t see results overnight, but with time your gut will get the support it needs so you can experience less bloating.
