Opioids can take over the mind and body, causing a myriad of negative side effects. Many of these are well-known, as we have witnessed the opioid epidemic affecting millions of families and loved ones.
But what about the lesser-known effects – the ones that may have indicated your loved one was taking opioids sooner? What if seeing the weight changes was the red flag that got you involved sooner?
Tennessee is one of the highest-ranking states for obesity, with almost 39% of adults having a body mass index over 30. At the same time, over 70,000 residents are living with opioid use disorder.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, we have seen first-hand many accounts of opioid use disorder and the different side effects it can cause. Today, we are answering the question: do opioids cause weight gain?
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Opioids and Weight Gain: What Is the Link?
Opioids have been linked to changes in weight including weight gain and weight loss. This has happened in both clinical use and recreational use. Those taking opioids for pain management may have reduced activity levels due to mobility issues. Those taking opioids recreationally can experience many negative side effects including weight gain.
How and Why Do Opioids Cause Weight Gain?
Studies have been conducted that concluded opioid use is connected with increased sugar intake. The mu opioid receptors are responsible for dependence as well as the inability to feel pain. The relationship external opioids have on the mu receptors has been linked to the development of a sweetness preference. Areas of the brain where this has been seen include the hippocampus and hypothalamus.
Because the person is taking in more sugary foods, weight gain can occur. Opioids are known to cause a sedative effect, leading to decreased activity levels. When opioids are not in use, feelings of pain can also cause a reduction in activity. When our bodies are not exerting effort, extra calories are stored, resulting in weight gain.
Opioids also cause digestive system changes. Peristalsis is the muscle movement that carries waste through the intestines. Opioids cause this process to slow, resulting in constipation. This results in bloating and acute weight gain.
Do Only Certain Opioids Cause Weight Gain?
While most opioids cause weight gain, heroin has been shown to cause weight loss. When opioid use first begins, the substance can act as an appetite suppressant. The person will skip meals and lack a regular eating cycle. This can result in drastic weight loss when opioid use first begins.
As we mentioned above, opioids such as hydrocodone increase the desire for sugar intake over time. However, heroin does not seem to cause this to occur. This is because heroin is much more potent than prescription opioids. Heroin dependence can happen quickly and take over the person’s life. Combined with suppressing appetite, the person may not have enough money to support their heroin use and pay for food. Because heroin dependence changes the brain, heroin becomes a higher priority need over basic human needs such as eating.
Can Quitting Opioids Cause Weight Gain?
Stopping opioid use can have beneficial effects on the body, but the mind can take longer to heal. Habits formed during active opioid use disorder can be difficult to break. If poor eating habits were part of your routine, it can be difficult to reset them into healthy ones.
Opioids block feelings of pain, which is useful in a medical setting for cancer patients and those recovering from major surgeries. The same effects happen in those taking opioids recreationally. When use has stopped, the body can now sense pain that was previously blocked. An increase in pain can cause the person to have difficulties with mobility. Lacking movement can lead to excess calories remaining in the body, leading to weight gain.
Taking Suboxone and Weight: Is There a Correlation?
Weight gain can be a side effect of Suboxone. One study showed that after four months of adhering to a Suboxone regime resulted in an average of 10 pound weight gains in participants. However, many patients first entering treatment – especially for heroin use disorder – are underweight or in poor overall health. Suboxone helps clear the mind so the person can return to normal, everyday activities, including regularly eating meals.
Tips for Managing Weight After Quitting Opioids
There are numerous ways to help maintain a healthy weight after quitting opioids. Some tips include:
- Incorporate exercise – Exercise is a large component in weight management and overall physical well-being. This doesn’t always have to be rigorous,– adding in more walks can help with weight loss and management. The Centers for Disease Control suggests getting 10,000 steps per day as well as 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Track calories – Caloric intake affects how weight is gained and lost. There are numerous free apps that can help you see what your caloric intake is and how to adjust it for weight management. The general rule of thumb is to take in fewer calories than are burned through activity.
- Incorporate healthy foods – Nutrient-dense foods can help improve the digestive system after opioid use. Fiber aids in digestion while protein helps keep you fuller for longer. Getting the right vitamins and minerals can also help keep your digestive system and metabolism working properly.
- Plan your meals – Meal planning can take away the stress of trying to cook healthy foods every day. It can also help with your eating schedule. Eating at the same time every day helps regulate the metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep deprivation can lead to changes in weight. The additional stress on the body from not enough rest can cause weight to fluctuate, interfering with your progress.
- Take medications as prescribed – Always take your medications as prescribed and at the same time each day. This ensures your metabolism adjusts to the medications and gets used to them being in your system.
- Visit the doctor regularly – By seeing your doctor for regular physicals, they can help you with weight management. Opioids were blocking pain, and you may find you have more aches and pains while in recovery. Your doctor can help with pain management that is conducive to your recovery goals. They can also provide information about weight management techniques that can help you on your journey to physical wellness.
- Give yourself grace – It is perfectly okay to enjoy a sweet treat or order a pizza for dinner. Weight management does not come from constant deprivation and slaving over every singular calorie. Enjoy that pizza knowing you have other healthy habits in place.
Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder in Tennessee
Opioids can wreak havoc on the body, causing changes in weight that affect you both physically and mentally. The good news is that there are treatment options available to leave opioids behind and incorporate habits that promote your health. Opioid addiction treatment will give you the tools needed to find success in recovery. Through therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and coping skill development, you will discover the root causes of your disorder and learn how to live life opioid-free.
If you or someone you love is managing an opioid use disorder, help is available today. ReVIDA® Recovery offers treatment programming that addresses the unique challenges those with opioid use disorder face. Through medication-assisted treatment and therapy sessions, you will begin the process of healing and entering the recovery community. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.
Reclaim your life.
