09/09/2025
It’s Malnutrition Awareness Week and as you can see, it is quite prevalent in IBD! With some studies suggesting 65–75% of people with Crohn’s and 18–62% of people with UC experience malnutrition. Let’s break down what malnutrition is and why it’s important ❗️
💩 Malnutrition happens when there is an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs (protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, water 💧) and the nutrients it actually gets.
👉You do not have to have weight loss to be considered malnourished.
People can be under or over nourished, and both impact health.
In IBD, the main reasons for malnutrition include:
⚡ Decreased food intake (from GI symptoms or restrictive diets)
⚡ Malabsorption
⚡ Increased energy needs during flares
⚡Gastrointestinal nutrient losses
⚡ Certain medications (like steroids, sulfasalazine, cholestyramine) that reduce micronutrient absorption and utilization.
Furthermore, nutrient deficiencies are very common in IBD and may further exacerbate symptoms like:
❌ Anemia and fatigue
❌ Poor wound healing and bone loss
❌ and Weakness or swelling
If you notice unplanned weight loss, poor appetite, feeling weak/tired, or swelling in your legs/belly ➡️ it could be a sign of malnutrition. Please reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.
💡 Remember: malnutrition can lower your body’s ability to recover and respond to treatment, which is why early recognition and support matter. Especially from your doctor and dietitian 😉
doi: 10.1155/2017/8646495
