Healthy Eating for Optimal Weight and Growth with Crohn's
by dietitian and nutritionist Alison Bencke
Note: these tips should not replace advice from your physician. Always check with your physician before making any changes to your eating habits.
I am overweight with Crohn's disease. Should I lose weight?
Consult your doctor before attempting weight loss with Crohn's disease. When illness occurs, weight loss
should never be deliberate. Intentional weight loss should be minimized so that malnutrition does not
follow your illness.
However being overweight increases many health risks, for example, Type 2 diabetes,
high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, and osteoarthritis.
Always talk to your doctor if you are
considering dieting as weight can see-saw easily.
When your disease is active, weight loss may occur. Weight gain for underweight individuals with Crohn's disease is most beneficial when it results from a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How can I avoid weight gain on steroid medications (corticosteroids)?
Some Crohn's disease patients, often young girls and women, refuse steroids because they fear they
will gain weight. Starving yourself to keep your weight "normal", may defeat or slow your efforts
to regain remission from Crohn's disease. Optimal treatment involves taking Crohn's disease drugs
as prescribed and maintaining as healthy a life-style as possible. Professional nutritional help
may ensure that you are eating adequately and help you limit unwanted weight gain. Others find that
their weight gain is easily lost after they finish their course of treatment. Following healthy
eating guidelines, avoiding unhealthy foods, and exercising regularly may help you avoid unwanted
pounds.
