Does SIBO cause weight gain?

While SIBO is historically associated with malabsorption and weight loss, it can also cause unexplained weight gain or resistance to weight loss in certain individuals. This is particularly common in those with [methane SIBO](/methane-sibo), also known as Intestinal Methane Overgrowth (IMO). The archaea responsible for IMO produce methane gas, which acts as a neuromuscular inhibitor in the digestive tract. This gas slows gut transit time, leading to chronic constipation. A slower digestive transit allows the gut microbiome to harvest more calories from the food you eat, storing them as fat. Additionally, the chronic inflammation and metabolic changes triggered by this bacterial imbalance can disrupt insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, and hunger hormones, making weight management increasingly difficult.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed and fact-checked by Daryl Stubbs, Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant (C.H.N.C), for educational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice or a doctor-patient relationship.