Loss of Appetite Due to Crohn’s Disease

While it might be challenging for others to understand, loss of appetite is a real and sometimes serious symptom many people with Crohn’s Disease Battle

According this study, about 20% of people with Crohn’s disease report having a reduction in appetite as a symptom. Unfortunately, in a society seemingly obsessed with weight loss, this might not sound like a bad thing to friends and family without IBD, but, in fact, loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition for people battling Crohn’s.

This study showed that 80% of people who are hospitalized for Crohn’s disease lose weight and that malnutrition is common in patients with IBD, especially Crohn’s. The loss of appetite can come from a variety of factors, from mouth ulcers and fatigue, which are common symptoms of Crohn’s, to a fear of the negative side effects of eating, like nausea and diarrhea.

So what can you do if Crohn’s is limiting your appetite? You can try moving to smaller meals. Large heavy meals can lead to bloating, which is not comfortable, especially in during a flare. Also, see what is working for others in the Crohn’s community in the poll below.

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