OVERWEIGHT PATIENTS WITH CROHN'S DISEASE, REALLY?

Almost one-third (1/3) of people with Crohn's disease are overweight and about 1 out of 12 is actually obese. On the other hand, shows that those with Crohn's disease tend to be underweight with a lower body mass index (BMI)(Sousa Guerreiro and others, American J Gastroenterology 2007). However, underneath the extra padding is an internal body and muscle size much smaller than the average person.

People with Crohn's disease often avoid a lot of essential foods in their diet. As a result, they don't eat as many calories and nutrients like fiber and vitamins C, D, E and K.  But the other part of the reason for the high numbers of overweight patients is because Crohnies disease often have less physical activity than they should. And those with the least exercise and physical activity have a greater amount of extra fat.

Similar results could apply to ulcerative colitis, but more research is needed.