IBD and Obesity What Are the Best Treatments for People With Both Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Crohn's Disease News IBD and Obesity What Are the Best Treatments for People With Both Obesity rates are on the rise for people with IBD, leaving patients with the challenge of seeking out treatments to both keep a healthy weight and manage symptoms from conditions like Crohn’s. By Brian MastroianniMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD July 10, 2017 Everyday Health Archive Medically Reviewed Obesity rates are increasing in people with IBD.Sebastian Kaulitzki/Shutterstock Peter Knott, a London-based digital consultant, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease five years ago. While Knott’s weight has always fluctuated throughout his life, he says What’s worse, obesity can also complicate the management of an IBD.“Obese patients with IBD may experience a more complicated course, be more prone to hospitalization, and spend more days in the hospital,” says the study’s coauthor, “This has a greater impact on people who have obesity than in the general population,” Dr. Bosworth says. “We know that the bacterial diversity in Crohn’s patients is less diverse than in the general population. The issue is, is this a chicken or the egg kind of situation? Is the diversity reduced because these people have Crohn’s, or does less diversity in and of itself lead to Crohn’s? The same thinking can be applied to obesity.” Bosworth explains that Crohn’s patients who have obesity find themselves in a difficult position. He says there's no clear answer for whether having obesity to begin with could change the course of the IBD — will it lessen symptoms or make them worse? More research needs to be done. Finding Treatment for Overweight People With IBDAmong IBD patients with obesity, Bosworth says the approach to treatment varies. He stresses that NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Crohn' s Disease Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Crohn' s Disease Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn'sBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 22, 2022 Resources for New Moms Living With IBDBy Natalie (Sparacio) HaydenSeptember 16, 2022 Can Medical Marijuana Improve Crohn’s Disease Symptoms? While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may help relieve Crohn’s symptoms, more research is needed to show disease improvement. Here’s what you...By Don RaufSeptember 16, 2022 Hispanic Americans Wait Longer for an IBD Diagnosis Than White Patients Rocio Castrillon, a Hispanic American, shares the story of her struggle to get an IBD diagnosis and discusses her work with the Crohn’s & Colitis ...By Kaitlin SullivanSeptember 15, 2022 Can Nutrition Therapy Keep Crohn’s Disease in Remission? Nutrition therapies such as exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) are more commonly used outside of the United States as a treatment for IBD. Learn about ...By Kaitlin SullivanJuly 26, 2022 What You Need to Know About the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet Certain diets may help control the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but not every diet offers the same results.By Stacy KishJune 28, 2022 What Is Step Therapy for Crohn’s Disease? Even when doctors prescribe a medication, some insurance companies require you to try lower-cost drugs first, which could delay your ability to get the...By Jessica MigalaJune 23, 2022 The 5 Best Books for Living With Crohn’s Disease Pick up a copy of one of these books if you’re trying to better cope with Crohn’s disease.By Sarah Choueiry SimkinJune 23, 2022 6 Crohn’s Emergencies — and When to Go to the Hospital A Crohn’s flare can be painful, but it’s important to know when your symptoms are signaling an emergency. Here’s when to seek immediate care for a Crohn...By Elizabeth YunJune 23, 2022 Growing Up With a Pooch Could Be Key to Protecting Against Crohn’s Disease Living with a dog early in life may have a protective effect against Crohn’s disease, new research suggests.By Jordan M. DavidsonJune 9, 2022 See All MORE IN How Obesity May Increase the Risk of COVID-19 Complications Can Medical Marijuana Improve Crohn’s Disease Symptoms? Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn's Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges