How to Lose Pancreas Fat

Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: October 6, 2021 References

Excess fat in the pancreas has been linked to type 2 diabetes and pancreatitis, but you may be able to reverse these conditions by losing weight! We'll show you how you can work with your doctor to come up with an effective plan for losing weight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Radically Restricting Your Caloric Intake

1
Consult your doctor. Substantially reducing your caloric intake can provide the weight loss necessary to reduce the amount of fat in your pancreas. However, such a radical diet should only be attempted under medical supervision. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a very low-calorie diet is a good fit for you.^{[1]
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PubMed Central
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2
Set a goal to lose 10–15 kilograms (22–33 lb). In a recent study, 9 out of 10 people who lost 15 kilograms (33 lb) put their type 2 diabetes into remission. Working with your doctor, determine how much weight you need to lose.^{[2]
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Research source}

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3
Eat 825–850 calories per day. Working together with your doctor, develop a diet plan that uses meal-replacement shakes or bars as well as some small balanced meals in order to maintain this low-calorie goal.
- Depending on how much weight you need to lose, you will need to follow this regimen for 3 to 5 months.
- Diets this low in calories should not be followed by children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
4
Stay motivated. A diet this extreme is going to be difficult at times. You will need to work hard to stay motivated and stick to your regimen. Some ideas for staying motivated include:
- Finding a support network (online or in person).
- Giving yourself non-food rewards when you reach small goals (such as a new clothing item).
- Tracking your progress each week.
5
Reintroduce food gradually over 2-8 weeks. When you reach your goal, it is important not to return to normal eating patterns too quickly. Work with your doctor to formulate a sensible meal plan to gradually reintroduce typical food portions.^{[3]
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- Eating too much food too quickly can cause stomach pain, constipation, and other digestive distress.
6
Begin including daily activity after you reach your weight goal. This diet is based on reducing calories without increasing physical activity. After you reach your goal, however, it will be important to begin including some movement into your daily routine.^{[4]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} You might try:
- Going for walks
- Doing yoga
- Water aerobics

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Considering Gastric Bypass Surgery

1
Talk to your doctor. Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount of food a person can physically tolerate. This surgery can cause rapid weight loss, thereby reducing the amount of fat in the pancreas.^{[5]
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Research source} Gastric bypass, however, can pose both short-term and long-term risks. Discuss these with your doctor.^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Short-term risks include: excessive bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, problems with breathing, leaks in your gastrointestinal system, and in rare cases, death.
- Long-term risks include: bowel obstruction, dumping syndrome (which causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting), gallstones, hernias, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), malnutrition, stomach perforation, stomach ulcers, vomiting, and in rare cases, death.
2
Find out if you meet the initial qualifications. In order to be considered for a gastric bypass, you must either have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40, or have a BMI of at least 35 and a weight-related condition (like type 2 diabetes).
- In some cases, a person with a BMI of 34 or lower may be considered if their weight is creating serious problems with their health.
3
Undergo an extensive health screening. Before your doctor can approve you for this surgery, you will have to undergo a series of in-depth medical tests, and in some cases, have a psychological evaluation. This is done to ensure that you are physically and emotionally strong enough to handle the surgery.^{[7]
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4
Follow pre-surgery instructions. Depending on your specific health needs, your doctor may ask you to do several things prior to your surgery. Your doctor may ask you to:
- Restrict your eating and drinking
- Stop taking certain medications
- Stop smoking
- Begin a physical activity program
5
Undergo gastric bypass surgery. When you have gastric bypass surgery, you will be placed under anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen and insert laparoscopic tools. The surgeon will then place an inflatable band around the uppermost part of your stomach.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- In most cases, you will spend 1 night in the hospital.
6
Follow all post-surgery guidelines. Immediately following your surgery, you won't be able to eat for a period of 2 days, in order to let your stomach heal. After this, you will begin eating liquids, then move on to pureed foods, and finally onto solid foods. You will be expected to follow a restricted diet for at least 12 weeks.^{[9]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Maintain all scheduled follow-up appointments.