CROHN'S PATIENTS OFTEN SUFFER FROM POOR NUTRITION

Someone with Crohn's disease, more so than those with ulcerative colitis, are at real risk of poor nutrition. When compared to healthy people, those with Crohn's disease often weigh less and may look very thin.

What's surprising is that almost 1 out of 3 may be overweight just like the general population and 8% may be obese. And that may be because we are in the middle of an obesity epidemic around the world. But if you take away the layers of fat on those overweight and obese patients, their bodies (the muscles and normal tissues) are actually decreased in size.

In addition, 11 to 35% of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be undernourished. As many as 8-10 % grow poorly and end up being 2-3 inches shorter than we would have expected or wanted.

This poor growth and small size is evidence of poor or undernutrition, which doctors often call malnutrition. It comes from inflammation in the intestine which results in

• More calories and nutrients being used up
• Poor absorption
• Increased blood and nutrient loss in the bowel movement
• Not feeling well with decreased appetite
• Avoiding foods, afraid that these may make pain and diarrhea worse.
• Medications, like steroids, which can affect appetite or growth
• Psychological factors, like depression