Body Weight And Digestive Health: What’s The Connection?

by Eric Bakker N.D.

Can digestive enzyme problems result in weight loss? Absolutely, very much so, and it’s something I’ve seen for many years with many people.

Digestive enzymes are of critical importance to maintaining a healthy metabolic rate and ensuring appropriate appetite regulation. Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients rely on an adequate supply of digestive enzymes. When your digestive enzymes and GI tract are in working order, your tissues can rebuild, your energy levels are high, you can sleep well, your libido is healthy, and every aspect of your health benefits.

If your pancreas isn’t producing a sufficient supply of digestive enzymes, a lot of symptoms can emerge. You may have diarrhea or constipation, your appetite may go down, you may have foul-smelling, greasy stools, and your weight may decrease. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins can be impaired when digestive enzymes are low. The resulting deficiencies can lead to a whole host of other symptoms, including easy bruising, photophobia (sensitivity to light), night blindness, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, red scaly skin, and bone pain to name a few.

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As the body becomes more and more malnourished, it becomes too skinny to maintain an appropriate metabolic rate. Some people even develop an aversion to food as a result of their symptoms. It’s hard to force yourself to eat when you know it’s going to trigger abdominal pain.

Although most people want to lose weight, some people would like to put on some weight. Having a generous supply of digestive enzymes and eating a healthy diet will help build a good microbiome and an efficient GI tract. When you have your microbiome and digestive system sorted out, both things will help you arrive at a healthy weight. For some people, that may mean losing some weight. For others, it means gaining some weight. The point is that a healthy gut makes it a lot easier for the body to finds its sweet spot – the set point – that will keep you happy and healthy.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.