Selena Gomez, the popular pop star and actress, recently revealed that she lives with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a chronic gastrointestinal condition, in response to body-shaming comments on a TikTok post. The 32-year-old star, known for her roles in Only Murders in the Building and Wizards of Waverly Place, made a heartfelt statement, explaining that her abdominal discomfort is caused by this rare condition, not body image issues.
In the now-deleted TikTok video, Gomez can be seen holding her stomach at the American French Film Festival. Responding to critics, she wrote, "I have SIBO in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No, I am NOT a victim. I’m just human."
Gomez’s transparency about her health is not new. In 2017, she shared her experience of receiving a kidney transplant and living with lupus, another autoimmune condition. According to Dr. Rudolph Bedford, a board-certified gastroenterologist, both lupus and medications taken after a kidney transplant can increase the likelihood of developing SIBO. SIBO occurs when an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine disrupts normal digestion.
SIBO is a condition where excessive bacteria in the small intestine interfere with digestion, causing discomfort and a range of symptoms. Common signs of SIBO include:
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatty stools (due to malabsorption)
• Weight loss
In Gomez’s case, the excess gas and bloating, which are hallmark symptoms of SIBO, are likely linked to her body’s reaction to bacterial overgrowth, which can be exacerbated by her existing health conditions.
While SIBO cannot be cured, its symptoms can be controlled. For those dealing with the condition, a combination of medical treatment, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. For Gomez, being open about her journey has not only raised awareness but also offered a glimpse into the challenges of managing chronic health conditions while living in the public eye.