does ashwagandha increase weight in females - #38946
I am really confused about this whole ashwagandha situation. I started taking it a couple of months ago to help with my stress and anxiety because life has been super hectic with work and family. At first, I was feeling pretty good, but I've noticed that my weight has been kinda creeping up. Like, I’m not the most active person, maybe some late-night snacks, but I didn’t expect to see the scale go up like this. A friend mentioned that ashwagandha can sometimes increase weight in females, which got me worried. I thought it was supposed to help with balancing hormones and improving overall wellness, but what if it’s making me gain weight instead? I would love to know if there’s any truth to this—does ashwagandha increase weight in females? I’ve tried switching my diet and even added some light exercise routines, but the numbers on the scale... they don’t seem to budge. I read mixed things online, some say it can cause weight gain, others that it helps with fat loss. Like, can it really do both? It feels so frustrating, and I wanna figure this out before it gets outta hand. Any insights would be so helpful! Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Ashwagandha, a renowned adaptogenic herb in Ayurveda, often earns a versatile reputation thanks to its ability to support stress reduction, hormone balance, and overall vitality. In practice, it’s primarily known for calming the mind and boosting resilience against stress. However, when it come to weight gain, it doesn’t inherently cause an increase in weight on its own, but its effects can be somewhat indirect.
So here’s how it connects to weight variations: When you manage stress better, the cortisol levels in your body tend to drop. High cortisol levels are associated with stress, and can promote unrestricted weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area. With ashwagandha helping to manage anxiety and stress, some individuals do shed weight because cortisol levels decline. But there is a flip side. For some people, ashwagandha, by reducing stress and promoting a state of higher energy, might increase appetite and food absorption. That can indeed lead to slight weight gain especially if your lifestyle or eating habits don’t account for it.
About your weight concerns, maintain a balance between your existing diet, activity level and ashwagandha intake. Incorporate lighter meals, prioritize whole foods and reduce late-night snacks to avoid unwanted extra calories. Keep an eye on portion sizes, and maintain a record of your meals to identify patterns that could be causing changes on the scale. Regular physical activity is key – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
Each body respond differently to ashwagandha, so observe how it affects you individually over time. If after all those changes, the weight still an issue, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. They can help you tune your regimen, ensuring it aligns with your body’s unique requirements and constitution. Continue to listen to your body what’s it telling you about how ashwagandha is impacting your wellbeing.

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