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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I better manage my weight with Crohn's disease?

    Related Topics
    Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Digestive Health
    My weight fluctuates because I go through periods when I enjoy food and other times when I do not wish to eat due to my adverse symptoms. Is this normal? How can I better manage my weight?
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  • Linda Hodge

    Dietitian

    I am Accredited Practising Dietitian with a passion for helping people who suffer from food intolerance. I have 25 years of experience in this area … View Profile

    This is a very normal response to the symptoms of Crohn's Disease and weight fluctuations can be very worrying.  It is best to consult a dietitian with experience in Crohn's disease who will be able to recommend suitable supplements during those difficult times and healthy eating when you are feeling well.

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  • Dr Naras Lapsys

    Dietitian

    The Body Doctor is a boutique nutrition consultancy that tailor designs eating styles that help you achieve your health, weight and fitness goals. We specialise … View Profile

    The main issue with Crohn's Disease and weight is during the active phase of Crohn’s and during periods where you need to take corticosteroid medication. These types of medication are renowned for causing huge amounts of weight gain , increasing appetite and causing fluid retention. The medication can also tend to give people arthritic kinds of conditions which can make it very difficult to exercise. During these periods you should try to simply hold ground with your weight and not worry about trying to lose weight. It is almost impossible to lose weight when you are taking medications and having active Crohn's. Your focus should be on keeping food as healthy as you possibly can and to try to use as many bulking, filler foods such as lower carbohydrate based-vegetables in whatever forms you can. Salads, stir-fries or soups are good options without having a lot of calorie density to it.

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  • Emily Henry

    Dietitian

    Emily is an Accredited Practising Dietitian/ Sports Dietitian working in private practise on the Gold Coast. Emily has a particular interest in sports nutrition. Her … View Profile

    For a healthy person living with Crohn’s disease, dietary management should provide a healthy balanced diet, like any other diet – pre and probiotics might be trialled to optimise the gut ecosystem. People with Crohn’s disease may have increased EER, but with the help of a dietitian and an exercise program, a diet program can be created to enable a healthy balanced diet for weight control.

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