What’s the Connection Between Obesity and Hemorrhoids?

While hemorrhoids (also called piles) can develop for many different reasons, these distended veins in and around the rectum are more common in individuals who are overweight or obese. But why do piles form in the first place? And what’s the connection between obesity and hemorrhoids? Here’s what you need to know.

How and Why Hemorrhoids Form

Hemorrhoids can form internally or externally (around, outside or inside your rectum or anus). Due to slow or poor blood circulation, these veins become distended and painful and can even bulge out of the rectum and anus to the outside of the body. But what causes hemorrhoids? Basically, anything that puts pressure on the veins in and around your rectum can cause hemorrhoids to form. As such, factors such as constipation and pregnancy can increase your risk for internal or external piles. Often, obesity and hemorrhoids also go together, because carrying excess weight also increases pressure on your anus and rectum.  

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

We categorize piles diagnoses on a grade from 1 to 4, based on how far they prolapse into or out of the anal canal. But common concerns include:

• Pain
• Itching
• Swelling
• Bleeding, especially when passing bowel movement
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids
• In severe cases, fecal leakage

Obesity and Hemorrhoids: Further Exploring the Connection

As mentioned earlier, simply carrying extra weight can increase pressure on your rectum to the point where hemorrhoids may develop. But the connection may be more complex. After all, some individuals who are obese also follow diets that are low in healthy fibers, but higher in sugar and carbohydrates. In turn, they may become constipated, further increasing the chances for hemorrhoids to develop.

Furthermore, when you are obese, you tend to be less active. And, since studies suggest that inactivity can damage muscles in your rectum and anus, reducing your activity levels can further increase your hemorrhoid risk. Luckily, even if you are obese, you can engage in hemorrhoids prevention by following these simple suggestions.

Habits to Reduce Obesity and Hemorrhoids Risk 

While you can’t always protect yourself from piles, the following lifestyle measures can dramatically reduce your risk for developing swollen veins in and around your rectum:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day
• Increase your fluid and fiber intake
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time

Obesity and Hemorrhoids: Help is Available

Even if you have developed hemorrhoids, help is available. And the best treatment option for your needs will depend on the severity of your symptoms along, with your hemorrhoid grade diagnosis.  If you have grade 1 hemorrhoids, you may find relief from soaking the affected area in a warm, shallow bath. Over the counter topicals may also soothe your symptoms. However, if you have grade 2 or 3 hemorrhoids and obesity, you may need further intervention in order to experience symptom relief. In such cases, we invite you to request a consultation request a consultation request a consultation with our specialists at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute. The interventional radiologists at our six Houston and Dallas area locations provide non-surgical hemorrhoid relief via Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE). When you come into one of our offices, we can review your candidacy for this minimally-invasive procedure and start you on the path to hemorrhoid relief!